Senator Robinhood Padilla is pushing to have heavier penalties under the Anti-Rape Law of 1997 and make sexual assault punishable by death under aggravating circumstances.

Padilla filed Senate Bill 2777 on Monday, August 12, to make laws stronger and more gender-responsive, after noting that rape victimizes both males and females.

"Despite the penalties under RA 8353, this representation still finds it compelling to increase the punishment for any person who shall commit an act of rape as stated under Paragraph 2, Article 266-A of the Revised Penal Code, as amended by RA 8353," Padilla noted.

"By doing so, we can be more certain that our laws are stronger, more gender-responsive, and progressive especially in these changing times," he added.

He noted no less than the 1987 Constitution stresses the value the State gives in protecting the dignity of every person and in guaranteeing full respect to human rights - and mandated Congress to prioritize the enactment of measures that protect the right to human dignity.

Padilla also cited a study of the Council for the Welfare of Children and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in 2017 showing more males aged 13 to 24 experience sexual violence more than females.

Under the bill, the penalty of reclusion perpetua to death may apply if:

• the rape is committed with the use of a deadly weapon or by two or more persons;
• the victim becomes insane due to the rape;
• the rape is attempted and a homicide is committed during the crime;
• the rape is committed with any of the aggravating or qualifying circumstances in the article.

As of writing, Padilla is conducting the second hearing of the Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media.