Despite the continuous rise of rape cases in the country, the Anti-Rape law of 1997 has yet to be updated to make it relevant and responsive to the times.

In a statement, Agusan del Norte 1st District Representative Lawrence “Law” Fortun described this move “long overdue” following the controversial death of flight attendant Christine Dacera.

Aside from raising the age of consent to 16 under the House Bill No. 7836, the updated Anti-Rape Law would covers members of the LGBTQIA+ community. This means that everybody can report violators of this legislation, regardless of one’s sexuality.

Fortun also shared that the amended bill explored on different cases of sexual exploitation. This includes the concept of “grooming”.

The measure defines grooming as “a predatory conduct or pattern of acts of establishing a relationship, trust or emotional connection with a minor for the purpose of perpetrating rape and sexual abuse.”

“The Senate, for its part, has 9 pending bills about and related to rape. It is our hope the Senate will adopt HB 7836 as their working document and then incorporate key provisions of the 9 Senate bills they have,” Fortun said.

“The Anti-Rape Law needs immediate overhaul. We appeal to the Senate to tackle and approve the measure in the next few weeks so that the same may be transmitted to the President before the end of the current regular session,” he urged.