The online KTCAP session was held on April 26, 2024, and was led by Hon. Judge Raquel Ventura Aspiras-Sanchez of FC Branch 3, Tagaytay City. She was joined by her Branch Clerk of Court, Court Interpreter, and other court personnel. The session was attended by eight (8) children and six (6) social workers, guardians, and house parents from Child and Family Service Philippines in Baguio City and Kanlungan sa Er-Ma.
Helping Children Understand the Court
Court personnel discussed their respective roles during hearings and shared their experiences working with children in a legal setting. The children were also introduced to anatomically correct dolls and were given a clear explanation of how these are used in court to help them share their experiences safely and accurately.
Some messages from Judge:
“Ang bawat bata ay may pangalan at karapatan—hindi lang sa kanta ng Apo Hiking Society, kundi sa tunay na buhay. Bilang bata, may karapatan ka na ibahagi at ipagtanggol ang iyong katotohanan, lalo na sa harap ng korte. Kaya mahalaga na, kapag humarap ka sa korte, huwag matakot magsabi ng totoo. Huwag ding matakot sa Judge, sa abogado, o sa akusado.
Nais naming ipaalala na bawat pagsubok, kabilang ang pagharap sa korte at mga mabibigat na pangyayari, ay may kaakibat na suporta. Huwag kabahan, mahiya, o matakot, dahil tungkulin ng korte na magbigay ng ligtas na espasyo para sa paglilitis. May karapatan kang magtapat ng iyong katotohanan—may mga makikinig at tutulong sa iyo. Sama-sama tayong magtatagumpay sa pagbuo ng isang ligtas na kapaligiran para sa mga batang katulad mo.”
“A child is entitled to a name—and to much more than simply being mentioned in the lyrics of an Apo Hiking Society song. As a child, you have the right to speak out and to defend your truth, especially in a court of law. That’s why it’s important that when you go to court, you do so without fear of telling the truth. Do not be afraid—not of the judge, not of the lawyers, and not of the accused. Your voice matters, and your courage in telling the truth helps bring justice.”
Speak Your Truth: Empowering Children in the Courtroom
About this, we want to remind you—and help you feel—that every time you face the adventure of being in a courtroom, with all the emotions and drama that may come with it, you are not alone. There is no need to feel nervous, embarrassed, or afraid. The court must provide a safe and supportive environment during the trial.
You have every right to speak your truth, and there are people willing and ready to help you. Together, we will succeed in creating a safe space for children your age—now and in the future.
About KTCAP
“The Kids and Teens Court Awareness Program (KTCAP) is a collaborative initiative designed to empower child and teen victims or witnesses of abuse and exploitation. Its goal is to prepare them for court appearances while easing the fear, anxiety, and uncertainty often associated with legal proceedings. Inspired by the King County Kids’ Court in Seattle and thoughtfully adapted for the Philippine context, KTCAP helps young participants understand the justice system, their role in it, and how to navigate courtroom processes with confidence and clarity.
The Justice Cecilia Muñoz Palma Foundation (JCMPF), in collaboration with the Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Child Sexual Abuse (CPTCSA) and Action Against Violence and Exploitation, conducts the Kids and Teens Court Awareness Program (KTCAP).
Every child has the right to be heard. KTCAP is helping make that possible—one empowered child at a time.”