Age of sexual consent in the Philippines now raised to 16
President Rodrigo Duterte signed the End Child Rape Bill into law on Monday which raises the age of sexual consent from 12 to 16.
Republic Act No. 11648 is also an amendment to Republic Act No. 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act. It aimed to increase the age of consent to combat statutory rape. It also shields children against sexual abuse, exploitation, and manipulation.
The law also redefines rape as an act of violence from any person to any person instead of an act of violence from a man to a woman.
Furthermore, the new law has a “Romeo and Juliet” clause. It would exempt consensual sexual activity from criminal liability between couples aged 16 and below as long the age gap is not more than three years. However, the exemption would not apply if one party is 13 years old or below.
The Philippines has an obligation to protect children through legislation. It was ratified by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in September 1990.
Duterte has released a copy of the signed law to the media. Senator Risa Hontiveros, the principal author of the bill, also announced the news through her Facebook page.
“This is historic legislation that we have long owed our children. As principal author of the act, I am heartened that I have been given the opportunity to be part of this groundbreaking measure,” said Hontiveros.
Hontiveros is known to have passed laws that are centered on women’s and children’s rights and protection. She authored the Expanded Maternity Leave Law and Prohibition of Child Marriage Law. She is also the chairperson of the Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality.
The passage of the law also coincides with the Women’s Month celebration.
