By Fr. Shay Cullen Challenging pedophile priests in court is possible today in the Philippines. Much has changed in the Philippine judiciary in the past twenty years. Prosecutors and judges in the family courts are armed with 37 laws that mandate that they protect children and bring their abusers to swift and strict justice. Many
May 2, 2023
By Fr. Shay Cullen Every time I sit in a Philippine family court with the Preda social workers and the children who are testifying against their sexual abusers, I see the many children and parents or guardians waiting to have their cases heard by the judge. Many other family-related cases come under the jurisdiction of
April 3, 2023
Women have been longing for equality with men for thousands of years and began campaigning and marching only two hundred years ago for their rights and dignity to be respected. Throughout history, they have suffered discrimination and oppression and were considered property and were sold for sex to old men. Men
March 13, 2023
Some of the best and well written-child protection laws are in the Philippines. However, it is enforcement that is lacking. There are few convictions of child abusers. Without the rule of law being enforced, there will never be an end to child sexual abuse. Right now, the Philippines is like “a
March 7, 2023
By Fr. Shay Cullen The hard work of many dedicated social workers, good-hearted judges, and compassionate Philippine government officials are helping hundreds of children in conflict with the law (CICL) to find a new, better life in the Preda homes for boys. The family court judges also protect child victims of sexual abuse from their
February 13, 2023
It is a happy day when I can write about victories and convictions. Prosecutors are fighting hard for child rights and are winning important convictions. Judges, too, believe the testimonies of children with horrifying account of multiple rape and sexual assault by biological fathers, grandfathers, brothers, uncles, and Catholic priests. These are
January 30, 2023
The protection of children from harm and especially sexual abuse is the prime responsibility of every parent and every adult especially those with moral and legal responsibility in Church and State. Readers have responded positively to the previous article expressing relief and thanks that an alleged child rapist priest Karole Reward
January 23, 2023
By Shay Cullen Pope Benedict XVI has gone to his eternal rest after a life of service, teaching and ruling the Catholic Church. He was pope from 19 April 2005 until his resignation on 28 February 2013. Many remember him as a much revered and greatly respected priest, bishop and Pope. He has been lauded
January 9, 2023
The year 2023 is upon us and while many wish there will be a positive change for most Filipinos, sadly it will not be so as the rich continue to grow immensely richer and the poor poorer, according to a poverty survey of more than 15 million Filipinos carried out by
January 3, 2023
A little child named Maria once asked, “Mama, why do we have Christmas?” Each of us should have an answer to that but many do not. Maria was told, “It is a time when we learn from Jesus to help others who have less than us.” Later that day, her mother
December 25, 2022
By Fr. Shay Cullen Sunday was Human Rights Day when everyone should have reflected on their life and dignity and if their rights are respected and upheld. Those doing the upholding are human rights workers that stand for the oppressed and the poor. They are great people, Filipinos included, working in a world that is
December 13, 2022
First, it was the children, a three-year old boy marked with bruises and signs of abuse. Then, the eight-year old that he began to slap and kick and beat. Then Lily, the 35-year old mother with five children, could not take it anymore. She and the children had endured his anger,
December 5, 2022