Pabustan, Mheryza D.

Republic Act 11648

In the enactment of Republic Act 11648, the Age of Sexual Consent increased the age of
statutory rape from 12 years old to 16 years old. In this way, our country showed that we
strongly recognizes children’s rights and their need for protection from sexual abuse and
exploitation.

Republic Act 11648 also amended Articles 337 or “qualified seduction” of the Revised Penal
Code which states that:

“The seduction of a minor, 16 and over but under 18 years of age, committed by
any person in public authority, priest, home-servant, domestic, guardian, teacher, or
any person who, in any capacity, shall be entrusted with the education of custody of
the minor seduced, shall be punished by prision correctional in its minimum and
medium periods.”

The amended provision added “The penalty next higher in degree shall be imposed upon
by any person who shall seduce his sister or descendant, whether or not she is a virgin
or over 18 years of age.”

Seduction is committed “when the offender has carnal knowledge of any of the persons
and under circumstances described therein.”, Republic Act 11648.

and Article 388 or “simple seduction” of the same code. it states that:

“The seduction of a minor, 16 and over but under 18 years of age, committed by
means of deceit, shall be punished by arresto mayor,”
In addition, Republic Act 11648 amended Republic Act 7610. Republic Act 11648 provides
that, children, whether male or female, who for money, profit, or any other consideration or
due to coercion or influence of any adult, syndicate or group, indulge in sexual intercourse or
lascivious conduct, “are deemed to be children exploited in prostitution and other sexual
abuse.”

Also, Republic Act 11648 mandated the Department of Education to include in the basic
education curriculum and teach age-appropriate subjects tackling the rights and protection of
the children in relation to the law.

Conclusion
Rape is an inherently violent crime that typically results in physical, social, emotional, and
psychological harm to everyone who was victimized by it. It remains a prevalent social
problem in the Philippines, and throughout the world.

As we had already acknowledged that we need stronger and stricter laws to save the
Children from any sexual abuse, we shall also recognize that the passage of Republic Act
11648 is just the beginning. We must still aim for stronger advocacy for the protection of
children from all forms of abuse and violence.

In this light, we should always make sure that all child protection-related laws and policies,
particularly at the community level are being strictly implemented. In this way, it ensures
that violence and abuse against children is prevented and properly addressed should any
of these happen. We should start by ensuring that all of our local government officials and
government employees know and understand these laws and policies, their roles and
responsibilities in implementing these so they can fulfill their obligations to protect all
children in their communities.

For our future children, and the children of our children.

https://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra1992/ra_7610_1992.html
https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra1997/ra_8353_1997.html
https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/2022/03mar/20220304-RA-11648-
RRD.pdf?fbclid=IwAR06AJ4qebMcr2nAaUDM3YJ_JrlQEDg27kJfkQo-IYfB0SJW-
4IytBkqqPQ