The House of Representative on Wednesday approved on second reading House Bill 7836 expanding the provisions on statutory rape by raising the age for determining the commission of statutory rape from 12 years-old to below 16 years-old.
The bill seeks to strengthen protection against rape, sexual exploitation and abuse and will expand the definition and coverage of statutory rape. It will also remove good conduct time allowance benefits when rape is committed with the presence of aggravating circumstance.
Meanwhile, another reshuffling of leadership took place in the Lower House with the election of DIWA Rep. Michael Aglipay as chairperson of the powerful House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability, replacing Bulacan Rep. Jonathan Sy-Alvarado. – Report from Daniel Manalastas
