Passage of law raising age of sexual consent a 'victory for the Filipino children' - rights groups

Several child rights groups welcomed the passage of the law raising the age of sexual consent from 12 to 16 years old.

The Child Rights Network (CRN), an alliance of organizations and agencies pushing for children's rights legislation, lauded the passage of the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, saying it was a “beacon of light amid the darkness that was inflicted by the two years of the pandemic.”

“This is a victory for the Filipino children. The road to ending child rape begins today. Advocates will work alongside the government to ensure that they can maximize the protection that the new law brings, and the public needs to fully understand the content of the law," CRN convenor Romeo Dongeto said in a statement.

Dongeto said the new law would encourage victims and survivors to seek protection from the proper authorities.

“We encourage everyone to be vigilant and proactive in reporting cases to the proper authorities as long as confidentiality is strictly observed and consent from the victim is secured," he added.

Meanwhile, UNICEF Philippines has pledged to support all efforts to implement the new law.

“UNICEF will remain steadfast in supporting all efforts of the Philippine government, especially the key actors in the implementation of this act, to ensure the stringent enactment of this new law as we continue our work towards the complete eradication of all forms of violence against children in the Philippines,” it said in a statement.

Save the Children Philippines congratulated the legislators who worked together to fight for the rights of every child.

“This law will better protect children and help #ENDChildRape as it increases the age of sexual consent from 12 to 16 years old, thus penalizing an adult of statutory rape if he or she has sexual intercourse with a minor below 16 years of age, even if the child gave consent,” the children’s organization said.

On March 4, President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law the bill defining the crime of statutory rape and raising the age of sexual consent from 12 to 16 years old.

Under Republic Act 11648, there will be no criminal liability on the part of a person having carnal knowledge of another person under 16 when the age difference between the parties is not more than three years and the sexual act in question is proven to be “consensual, non-abusive, and non-exploitative.”

It also indicated that children, whether male or female, are deemed to be exploited in prostitution and other sexual abuse if they indulge in sexual intercourse or lascivious conduct for money, profit, or any other consideration or due to coercion or influence of any adult, syndicate, or group. — VBL, GMA News