Manila, July 17 -- Senator Pia Cayetano on Thursday called for a Senate inquiry into the reported sale of babies on social media platforms, as she urged the full enforcement of laws that safeguard children against trafficking and illegal adoption.

"Babies are not commodities," Cayetano said, following reports from the Commission on Human Rights and the Philippine National Police that criminal groups are exploiting vulnerable families online.

"These are heartbreaking reports that demand swift and coordinated action. The sale of children online is a gross violation of their rights and a crime under our laws," she added.

Cayetano said she is filing a Senate resolution to investigate the growing number of online baby-selling cases, includi...