PNP backs measure raising statutory rape age to 16
THE Philippine National Police (PNP) leadership on Tuesday welcomed the Senate’s approval of a measure seeking to raise the age for determining statutory rape from 12-years-old to 16-years-old in order to further protect children in the country.
In expressing the PNP’s support to the proposed law, PNP chief, General Guillermo Lorenzo T. Eleazar stressed that this measure would be a great help in protecting young individuals from all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse.
“Suportado ng PNP ang panukalang ito upang mas maprotektahan natin ang mga bata na nagiging biktima ng rape sa ating bansa. Naniniwala ako na panahon na rin upang repasuhin ang batas hinggil sa rape dahil na rin sa nagbabagong sitwasyon sa lipunan,” he said.
“Any measure that will ensure the creation of a safer environment for children will always be supported by the police organization,” the top cop added.
The PNP chief also expressed gratitude to lawmakers over the passage of the measure at the Senate, saying that an urgent response for child sexual abuse is necessary.
Voting 22-0-1, the upper chamber of Congress has approved Senate Bill 2332 or An Act Increasing the Age for Determining Statutory Rape and other Acts of Sexual Abuse and Exploitation to Protect Children.
The proposed measure seeks to amend Republic Act 3815, or the Revised Penal Code, and RA 7610, also known as the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.
The said measure stated that both men and women could be charged with statutory rape, regardless of the sexual orientation of the victims or the offenders.
In relation to the measure, Gen. l Eleazar ensured that the police are always ready to give assistance and seek justice for victims of sexual assault in the country.
“Kakampi ninyo ang pulis sa bagay na ito. Huwag kayong magdalawang-isip na lumapit sa kapulisan kung kayo ay naging biktima ng sexual abuse. Handa kaming tumulong upang papanagutin ang mga taong gagawa nito sa inyo,” he said.
The PNP’s Women and Children Protection Office is currently handling all cases pertaining to all forms of abuses against minors.
