WOMEN’S RIGHT

 Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children (VAWC) Act of 2004, and Republic Act (R.A.) No. 9262 

RA 8353 (The Anti-Rape Law of 1997)

This law redefines rape as a crime against person highlight that it violates an individual well-being and not just one’s virginity or purity. Also, consider that any person whether a prostituted person, non-virgin or one who has an active sexual life may be victimized by rape. The law classifies rape as public offense that enables anyone who has knowledge of the crime may file a case on the victim’s behalf.

Rape committed in many circumstances like trough force, threat or intimidation, the victim is deprived of reason or is unconscious, trough machination and the victim is underage. Penalties varies based on the crime, Reclusion Perpetua if the rape committed through sexual intercourse and the Prision Mayor was committed through oral or anal sex. Victims with this law is advised to seek counseling, a secure safe shelter, have evidences, obtain medico-legal certificate and receive a support along the way when she file a case.

Republic Act 7877: Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995

The law declares that all forms of sexual harassment unlawful in employment, education, and training environments, emphasizing the human dignity and rights. It defines work, education, or training-related sexual harassment as any unwelcome sexual advances made by persons in positions of authority, such as employers or educators. The law mandates employers and educational institutions to prevent sexual harassment, establish procedures for reporting and investigating complaints, and create committees to address these issues. Moreover, it holds employers liable for harassment if they fail to act upon receiving complaints. 

Penalties for violate the law include imprisonment and fines, and victims retain the right to pursue independent legal action for damages. The law underscores the importance of creating safe environments free from sexual harassment, with provisions for its implementation and enforcement.

Reference:

Philippine Commission on Women. Republic Act 8353: An Act Expanding the Definition of the Crime of Rape and Reclassifying the same as Crime Against Persons. Retrieve from https://pcw.gov.ph/faq-ra-8353-an-act-expanding-the-definition-of-crime-and-rape/#:~:text=The%20law%20considers%20that%20any,may%20be%20victimized%20by%20rape.&text=By%20declaring%20that%20rape%20is,case%20on%20the%20victim's%20behalf.

Philippine Commission on Women. Republic Act 7877: Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995. Retrieved from

https://pcw.gov.ph/faq-republic-act-7877-anti-sexual-harassment-act-of-1995/