A warning to sexual predators.
The House of Representatives approved on third and final reading House Bill number 7836, increasing the age for determining statutory rape from 12 years old to below 16 years old.
The bill, approved on Tuesday, Dec. 1, consolidated several bills, including House Bill No. 5795, authored by Rep. Francisco Benitez (3rd district, Negros Occ).
It stipulates that statutory rape is committed when the victim is a minor below 16 years old, or if the victim is at the age of 16 or over but has a physical, mental, or psychological disability or condition that renders the victim unable to fully understand the consequences of any sexual activity.
Benitez said that the bill widens the shield of the law in protecting minors from sexual predators who exploit their vulnerability.
Perpetrators of rape will be punished by reclusion perpetua (imprisonment from 20 years and one day to 40 years), according to the provisions of the proposed bill.
When signed into law, the measure will provide stronger protection against rape, sexual exploitation and abuse through the imposition of stiffer penalties against the perpetrators. – GB