Solon files bill removing forgiveness as reason to extinguish rape liability

Cotabato 3rd District Representative Ma. Alana Samantha Taliño Santos has filed a bill to remove forgiveness as grounds to extinguish liability for rape and crimes against chastity.

The legislator cited in particular Article 266-C in the Revised Penal Code, which states that “the subsequent valid marriage between the offended party shall extinguish the criminal action or the penalty imposed.”

The said article also states, “In case it is the legal husband who is the offender, the subsequent forgiveness by the wife as the offended party shall extinguish the criminal action or the penalty.”

Santos, in filing House Bill 8469, said “these forgiveness clauses in our rape laws are regressive and have the inevitable potential of leading to further abuse of the victims.”

Santos, citing data from the Philippine National Police, said that in 2021, there were 12,492 reported cases of physical and sexual violence against women, including 1,791 cases of rape.

“Due to stigma and fear, these numbers might understate the true reality of the prevalence of rape in the country,” the legislator said.

Santos hopes that with the passage of the bill, “we are upholding a person’s dignity, taking a strong stance against sexual offenses and ensuring that justice is served for the victims.” — BM, GMA Integrated News