207 solons have favored the passing of the bill while 3 have rejected it.
Under HB 7836, statutory rape is a crime done to minors aged 16 years and below instead of the current 12 years old. The violators will be jailed for life or Reclusion Perpetua once the bill is passed into law.
The bill also removes the benefit of Good Conduct and Time Allowance (GCTA) if rape is committed in aggravating circumstances.
Meanwhile, House Committee on Welfare and Children Chairperson Representative Yedda Marie Romualdez urged the Senate to pass the said bill.
“I appeal to our colleagues in the Senate: let us pass this bill as a gift for and a commitment to the safety of our children. Definitely, no children should be left without sufficient protection especially from rape. Child rape is an ugly and painful reality that we must collectively confront and address immediately and decisively. But it is not enough that we are indignant.” – Report from Daniel Manalastas
