The Philippine National Police (PNP) has expressed support to the Senate bill which raises the he age for determining statutory rape from 12 years old to 16 years old.

PNP chief Gen. Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar said once signed into law, Senate Bill No. 2332 or An Act Increasing the Age for Determining Statutory Rape and other Acts of Sexual Abuse and Exploitation to Protect Children, would be of great help in protecting young individuals from all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse.

"The PNP supports this measure to protect minors from all forms of sexual abuse. I believe that this is a needed update on the existing law," said Eleazar.

The Senate Bill actually amends the provision of the Revised Penal Code wherein only sexual intercourse on female children aged 12 years and below is considered statutory rape. The RPC provision on this matters dates back to the 1930s.

Eleazar said that as frontliners in receiving and responding to the complaints n sexual abuse on minors, the PNP understands the pain and suffering of all the victims.

The PNP’s Women and Children Protection Office is currently handling all cases pertaining to all forms of abuses against minors.

“Any measure that will ensure the creation of a safer environment for children will always be supported by the police organization,” said Eleazar.

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.

Under the Senate Bills, both men and women could be charged with statutory rape, regardless of the sexual orientation of the victims or the offenders.