Now that the age of statutory rape has been raised from 12 to 16, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) believes that the law is finally on the side of sexually abused victims and it can "help gradually erode the culture of silence that enables perpetrators to commit their heinous crimes."
The CHR lauded the passage of Republic Act No. 11648, the Act Providing for Stronger Protection Against Rape and Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, because it finally addressed the burden that has been placed on vulnerable and innocent children in many cases of sexual abuse.
"This is evident in the prevalence of victim blaming, revictimization, rape myths, and stereotype, which contribute to a culture of silence and fear," said CHR Spokesperson and lawyer Jacqueline Ann de Guia.
Before the passage of RA 11648, the Philippines sadly had the lowest age to determine statutory rape in Asia and second lowest in the world next to Nigeria at 11 years old, De Guia said.
Because of this, she said that Filipino children have been prone to sexual abuse and exploitation due to the prior low age of sexual consent. A study conducted by the United Nations Children's Fund or UNICEF even revealed that one out five Filipino children experienced sexual abuse, she added.
De Guia lamented that the harm suffered by victims of sexual abuse can stay with them through adulthood, and it might even lead them to unhealthy coping mechanisms.
"Having a law that protects young ones while helping deter abusers is essential in creating an environment that ensures the welfare and dignity of children," she stressed.
She noted the CHR’s gratitude to President Duterte, the members of Congress, government agencies, civil society organizations, and other individuals for making the law into a reality.
She also said: "Let us continue to translate our primordial obligation to uphold children's rights into concrete efforts that will protect them from harm and ensure their proper development. Our children deserve to march into the future with hope and dignity, not burdened with scars and trauma due to sexual abuse and violence."