For
years, the age to determine statutory rape in the Philippines has been the
lowest in Asia and one of the lowest in the world. The passage of Republic Act
116481 or an act “providing for stronger protection against rape and sexual
exploitation and abuse, increasing the age for determining the commission of
statutory rape” responds not only to the Philippines’ obligation to the United
Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, but most importantly, to the
call for stronger protection for victim-survivors of sexual violence.
“The
passage of RA 116481 is an answered prayer and a timely gift to women and girls
as we celebrate International Women’s Month. For more than 90 years, many young
survivors of sexual abuse—both girls and boys—were victimized by an outdated
system that either silenced them or forced them to relive their suffering. We
are hopeful that with this new law in place, many will be given justice and
children will be further protected from sexual exploitation and abuse,” says
World Vision Executive Director, Rommel V. Fuerte.
Aside
from the increase in age to determine statutory rape, other notable provisions
in RA 11648 include: (1) equalized protection for victims of rape, whether a
boy or a girl, and (2) adoption of "close in age exemption" which
serves to reduce or eliminate the penalty of the crime in cases where the
couple's age difference is minor.
“As
we work alongside the Philippine government and stakeholders to ensure the
implementation of RA 116481, World Vision will also do its part in
strengthening the reporting and referral mechanisms of communities we work with
and in capacitating duty-bearers to prevent and respond to violence against
children,” Fuerte adds.
World
Vision in the Philippines is currently present in 28 provinces, 18 cities, and 91
municipalities. Its child protection efforts include strengthening community-based
child protection systems, improving parenting support and empowering girls and
boys through protective life skills development.
Read the full document on the
newly signed law here: https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/2022/03mar/20220304-RA-11648-RRD.pdf?fbclid=IwAR2u7DgR8P4uAHEb0VkF51fEYp66IOsRu8uYqbM_7Vgg7tIpVitOrVyxGr0
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