Senator Risa Hontiveros, Chair of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality, filed Senate Resolution No. 77 seeking an inquiry into alleged cases of abuse and mismanagement at a care facility in Mexico, Pampanga, where 156 children were rescued on August 13, 2025.
The resolution cites reports against American pastor Jeremy Ferguson, accused of inflicting physical, emotional, and psychological abuse on minors. Complaints from two 12-year-old children and findings from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) allege that Ferguson forced children to kneel for long periods, fed them spoiled food, and deprived them of playtime.
DSWD also discovered violations in registration and accreditation standards, fire safety hazards, and fund mismanagement, leading to a 30-day cease and desist order against the facility.
Hontiveros stressed the need to review existing laws, including Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act, to strengthen safeguards for children under the care of social welfare institutions. She noted that the reported abuses highlight gaps in monitoring mechanisms for such facilities.
Meanwhile, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced on Sunday, August 17, that deportation proceedings are being prepared against Ferguson.
