Historic bill raising age for determining statutory rape to 16 from 12 clears Senate

Senators pose for a traditional group photo during the opening session of the 3rd Regular Session of the 18th Congress, Monday, July 26, 2021.

Henzberg Austria / Senate PRIB

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate passed on third and final reading Monday a bill seeking to raise the age of sexual consent to 16 years old from the current 12 to protect children from sexual exploitation and abuse.

Voting 22-0-1, the Senate approved 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 which seeks to amend the Revised Penal Code. The RPC dates back to the 1930s. 

"This is a historic legislation that we have long owed our children," the bill's principal author, Sen. Risa Hontiveros, said in a statement. 

Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2021/09/27/2130100/historic-bill-raising-age-determining-statutory-rape-16-12-clears-senate