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Congress asked to remove provision on forgiveness in anti-rape law

Ghio Ong, Helen Flores - The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines – Social Welfare and Development Secretary Esperanza Cabral yesterday pushed for the removal of a provision in the Anti-Rape Law in a bid to stop the “cycle of abuse” among Filipino women.

“We must focus on the revision and implementation of national laws that deal with violence against women, such as the Anti-Rape Law and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act,” Cabral said.

She said the provision in the Anti-Rape Law where the forgiveness clause extinguishes criminal liability of perpetrators would continue the cycle of abuse and violence of women.

On the other hand, the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act must also be strengthened through bilateral, regional and international cooperation with countries of origin, transit and destination, she said.

Cabral said both government and non-government organizations should work for the “full and effective” implementation of national laws that deal with violence against women, specifically the Anti-Rape Law and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.

The nation joins the world in celebrating Women’s Month this March.

Cabral stressed that the major challenge for the government and NGOs is to “work for the full and effective implementation of these laws, as well as to exert efforts to change social attitudes and mindsets.”

“We cannot continue to tolerate acts of violence against women and we must show our unity in condemning it,” she said.

Cabral urged everyone to be advocates of women’s rights, not only during this month but everyday.

In 2007, the DSWD had served 2,375 women in “especially difficult circumstances.” Of this number, 155 were sexually abused; 1,140 were physically abused, maltreated, and battered; 86 were victims of illegal recruitment; 13 were victims of involuntary prostitution; 59 were victims of trafficking; 14 were victims of armed conflict; and 185 were emotionally abused.

The DSWD said 723 women have been categorized as strandees, abandoned, emotionally abused, distressed/unwed mothers, sexually exploited, and voluntarily committed/ surrendered, neglected, among others.

Meanwhile, the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) yesterday urged local government units to intensify the campaign on child rights and protection particularly among female children.

CWC executive director Ma. Elena Caraballo said a total of 7,606 cases of child abuse were reported in 2006, of these 70 percent were female victims.

Caraballo said the most common types of abuse among children are sexual and physical abuse, rape, child trafficking, child labor, pornography and incest.

The CWC is celebrating the Girl Child Week with the theme “Karapatan ng Batang Babae Pahalagahan, Higit sa panahon ng disaster.” (Value the rights of the girl child, more so in the time of disaster).

Caraballo said there should be a separate sleeping area for girl children in temporary shelters during emergency situations.

ANTI

ANTI-RAPE LAW

ANTI-RAPE LAW AND THE ANTI-TRAFFICKING

BATANG BABAE PAHALAGAHAN

CABRAL

CARABALLO

PERSONS ACT

WOMEN

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