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New statutory rape law boosts fight vs. sexual abuse of minors
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MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday said the new law raising the age of sexual consent from 12 to 16 is a major development in the campaign against abuse of minors who are among vulnerable sectors of society.
In a statement, PNP chief, Gen. Dionardo Carlos said they will intensify their information campaign to raise awareness on the protection of women and minors in support of the law.
“With this, our Women and Children Protection desks can initiate their own information dissemination regarding the importance of protecting our children from any form of harm and abuses,” Carlos said in a statement.
Carlos, meanwhile, also advised parents to start educating their children on how to protect themselves from criminal elements.
“The PNP vows to continue its programs that will educate and that will encourage the minors on fighting for their rights,” he said.
Signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on March 4, Republic (RA) 11468 amends RA 3815 or the Revised Penal Code and RA 7610 or the Special Protection of Children against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.
This means any adult engaging in sexual contact with anyone 16 or under would be committing statutory rape, unless the age difference between them was three years or less and sex was proven to be consensual, and neither abusive nor exploitative.
The law, however, states that the exemption does not apply if the victim is under 13 years old.
A 2015 study by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) revealed that seven out of 10 rape victims in the Philippines were children.