Thematic Q2

 Violence Against women has been a significant problem not just in the Philippines but the whole entire world and should be stopped.

Republic Act No.8353 ( The Anti-Rape Law of 1997) 

This law expands the definition, to include not just sexual intercourse but also other forms of sexual assault or sexual harassment, meaning this law changes the more known definition of Rape to  "Rape violates a person’s well being and not just ones virginity or purity". This law also recognized that rape could be committed against any gender. To ensure a wider protection, Rape under this law includes cases involving: Through force, threat, or intimidation, When the victim is deprived of reason or is unconscious, Through fraudulent machination or grave abuse of authority, and When the victim is under twelve (12) years of age or is demented, even if none of the above circumstances are present.

Republic Act No. 11648 

This law strengthened protection for minors by raising the age of sexual consent from 12 to 16 years old. This law addressed how vulnerable the old laws are. Aligning the Philippines with the international standards for child protection. This law criminalizes any acts of sexual acts involving minors under the age of 16 or when the child is demented. Even though none of the circumstances mentioned above be present. "Provided, That there shall be no criminal liability on the part of a person having carnal knowledge of another person under sixteen 16 years of age when the age difference between the parties is not more than three 3 years, and the sexual act in question is proven to be consensual, non-abusive, and non-exploitative: Provided, further, That if the victim is under thirteen 13 years of age, this exception shall not apply".

Though these laws represent significant progress, their effectiveness if very crucial in ensuring not just everyone's safety but it also ensures justice and pride for the victims. Continuing advocacies, education, and social and moral support are essential to fostering a better country in creating a safer environment for all, especially for the vulnerable children.

References:

https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2022/ra_11648_2022.html

https://pcw.gov.ph/republic-act-11648-an-act-providing-for-stronger-protection-against-rape-and-sexual-exploitation-and-abuse-increasing-the-age-for-determining-the-commission-of-statutory-rape-amending-for-the-purp/

https://pcw.gov.ph/2024-18-day-campaign-to-end-violence-against-women/

https://pcw.gov.ph/18-day-campaign-to-end-vaw/#:~:text=for%2018%20days-,The%20Campaign,enshrined%20in%20the%201987%20Constitution.