Prosecutors secure conviction for mother who sold child online

By Benjamin Pulta, Philippine News Agency

(Pexels photo)

MANILA – The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday said prosecutors have secured the conviction of a mother who sold her child online.

Details of the offense were not disclosed pursuant to laws protecting the victim, but the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 94 of Quezon City found the accused guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of violating Section 10(a) of Republic Act 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination.

The accused earlier withdrew her plea of not guilty despite being provided free counsel from the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO).

“(PAO Atty. Albert) Lanuza manifested that after having conferred with the accused, the latter is willing to withdraw her previous plea of not guilty to the offense,” the decision dated 14 April 2026 and written by Judge Roslyn M. Rabara-Tria read.

The court affirmed the accused’s voluntary guilty plea to a lesser offense, made with full understanding of its consequences and with the concurrence of both the prosecution and the complainant, the DOJ said.

This outcome is the result of the diligent efforts of the prosecution panel composed of Assistant State Prosecutor Gino Angelo P. Yanga, Assistant State Prosecutor Criselda B. Teoxon-Yanga and Prosecution Attorney Angelica H. Sy, who ensured the swift and effective resolution of the case while safeguarding the interests of the child victim-survivor.

The court imposed a sentence of up to six years and a fine of PHP15,000.

The court further directed the accused to pay damages to the victim, amounting to PHP20,000 each for moral, exemplary and temperate damages, all of which shall earn interest at 6 percent per annum until fully paid.