Senate approves bill raising statutory rape age to 16 years old

The Senate on Monday passed on third and final reading the measure raising the age of statutory rape from the current 12 years old to 16 years old in a bid to protect young people from all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse.

Voting 22-0-1, the upper chamber approved Senate Bill 2332 or An Act Increasing the Age for Determining Statutory Rape and other Acts of Sexual Abuse and Exploitation to Protect Children.

The bill seeks to amend Republic Act 3815, or the Revised Penal Code, and RA 7610, also known as the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.

Senator Richard Gordon, the sponsor of the bill and chairman of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights, underscored the need for an urgent response to child sexual abuse and exploitation in the country.

"Rape is a very violent crime, especially when performed against a minor. It is important that we amend the old law which clearly states that it applies to certain individuals, for women, for example, and not for men or for gay personalities," he said.

"That's why we're having a legislative reform on rape, especially for the protection of our girls and boys, and others with different sexual preference from sexual violence."

Gordon also said the Philippines had the lowest age of sexual consent in Asia and one of the lowest in the world.

Under the measure, both men and women could be charged with statutory rape, regardless of the sexual orientation of the victims or the offenders.

During the period of interpellation on the bill, lawmakers debated on the so-called "Romeo and Juliet" clause that would exempt consensual sexual activity between young couples "in love" from being criminalized.

However, senators later agreed that the exemption from criminal liability shall cover partners 16 years old and below, with an age difference of not more than three years. Meanwhile, this exemption will not apply if the victim is aged 13 and below.

Senator Risa Hontiveros welcomed the passage of the bill, saying it was "historic legislation that we have long owed our children."

"This is as much a victory for our children as it is a victory for all advocates, civil society organizations, women's rights groups, and concerned parents and individuals who are committed to protect and defend every Filipino child. Today, the Senate has finally and clearly said no to child rape. Today, the Senate has sounded the clarion call for change," Hontiveros said in her statement. — DVM, GMA News