President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has signed into law a bill raising the age of sexual consent from 12 to 16.

Republic Act (RA) No. 116481, signed by Duterte on March 4, amends RA 3815 or the Revised Penal Code and RA 7610 or the Special Protection of Children against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.

The law increased the age for determining statutory rape to 16 years old to provide more protection for young people against sexual exploitation and abuse. READ MORE

‘ We can do more’ for women

President Rodrigo Duterte lauded the country’s “distinction as a shining beacon of gender equality and women empowerment” as the world celebrated Women’s Day on Tuesday, March 8.

In his International Women’s Day message, Duterte mentioned the role of women in various sectors and nation-building. READ MORE