SENATOR ROBINHOOD Padilla filed a bill on Monday seeking to impose heavier penalties against sexual assault, and make the offense punishable by death under aggravating circumstances.
Padilla said Senate Bill (SB) No. 2777 aims to strengthen Republic Act (RA) No. 8353, or the Anti-Rape Law of 1997, and make it more gender-responsive.
"Despite the penalties under RA 8353, this representation still finds it compelling to increase the punishment for any person who shall commit an act of rape as stated under Paragraph 2, Article 266-A of the Revised Penal Code, as amended by RA 8353," Padilla pointed out.
"By doing so, we can be more certain that our laws are stronger, more gender-responsive, and progressive especially in these changing times," he added.
The 1987 Constitution, Padilla noted, emphasizes the significance of protecting human dignity and human rights, mandating Congress to prioritize measures safeguarding these rights.
He also cited in the bill a study by the Council for the Welfare of Children and UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund) in 2017 revealed that males aged 13 to 24 are more likely to experience sexual violence than females.
If passed into law, SB 2777 shall impose severe penalties, including the possibility of death, for rape committed with a deadly weapon, involving multiple perpetrators, resulting in the victim's insanity; and for attempted rape leading to homicide, or accompanied by aggravating circumstances. (Wilnard Bacelonia)
No comments:
Post a Comment