Manila 1st district Rep. Manny Lopez has underscored the need for a holistic approach in protecting children from abuse especially with the recent enactment of Republic Act (RA) No.11648, or the Act raising the age of sexual consent.
Lopez expressed elation that the measure--which raised the minimum age of sexual consent from the of 12 to 16--has finally taken effect. The law is seen to provide stronger protection against rape and sexual exploitation and abuse.
“Especially in our poorer communities like Tondo Manila, it is imperative that the government extend the scope of protection for our poor children where they are more susceptible to all forms of sexual abuse. I hope the passage of this new law is a good first step," he said in a statement.
Lopez, who chairs the House Committee on Metro Manila Development, said RA No.11648, will not attain in full its purpose on it own, "unless all relevant sectors of the community work hand-in-hand to combat these abuses and together exert all efforts to protect minors and children".
“Our schools, as mandated by the law, should ensure that they put in place learning subjects or sessions regarding rights and protection of children so they are able to identify, respond to and report rape and other sexual offenses," he noted.
"Our police force must be vigilant in going after all offenders. Government institutions must continue to create opportunities and meaningful developments to improve the lives of its citizens, particularly those of the less fortunate," added Lopez, one of the principal authors of the law.
"Finally, our dear parents must take a more active role in the lives of their children. This is the most effective way of protecting our children against these abuses...let us not stop doing our part and continue to pursue more ways to protect the rights of all children in the country," the House leader further said.
Under the new law, any sexual act committed against minors under16 years of age, with certain exceptions, is now automatically treated as rape. Under the outdated previous law, the offended party had to be under 12 years of age.
Also punished under this new law are acts of seduction -- having sexual intercourse with a minor under 16 and under eighteen 18 years of age, as opposed to the previous law which punishes such act of seduction only if the offended party was a woman and over 12 years and under 18 years of age.
Finally, with respect to acts constituting child prostitution and other sexual abuse, child trafficking, and other acts of neglect, cruelty or exploitation, these are now punishable if the victim is under 16 years of age.