(We yield this space to the statement of the Salinlahi Alliance for Children’s Concerns due to its timeliness. – Ed.)
WE WELCOME the recent passage of a bill amending the Anti-Rape Law which increases the age of sexual consent from 12 years old to 16 years old. It provides a glimpse of hope for children victims of the horrendous and obnoxious crime and a step forward in achieving gender equality. Nevertheless, there’s still a long way to go in fully eliminating all forms of abuse, violence and exploitation.
The government should make the recently passed measures work for children by focusing on its proper implementation as well as guaranteeing higher conviction rates. At the same time, flaws in our criminal justice system must be addressed and make it more accessible to children, especially those coming from marginalized and poor communities.
Both local and national governments should intensify efforts to educate the public about the law as a way to effectively prevent the commission of child rape. We must send a strong message that child rape is a heinous crime and that there is a law punishing it.
On the other hand, we challenge the Duterte government to also prioritize the passage of other measures that intend to address various child protection issues including online sexual abuse and exploitation (OSAEC) and teenage pregnancy.
As the world observes International Working Women’s Day, we urge the Duterte government and the next administration to possess a higher commitment and political will in upholding and protecting children’s rights.
It is very evident that Filipino children are disproportionately affected by the coronavirus pandemic and its consequent economic impacts. Children together with their poor families carry the heaviest brunt of the crisis. Thus, aside from having laws and policies for children, the government should provide programs that will address poverty, hunger, social inequalities and the culture of silence and impunity that make children vulnerable to abuses, violence and exploitation.
