Assessing RA 8353 and RA 10364: Combating Sexual Violence and Exploitation in the Philippines
Republic Act No. 8353, commonly referred to as the Anti-Rape Law of 1997, represented a crucial advancement in the Philippines efforts to combat sexual violence. Before this law was passed, the legal framework for addressing rape was deemed insufficient, which often resulted in underreported cases and low rates of conviction. RA 8353 expanded the definition of rape to include acts that were not previously defined, and it imposed stricter penalties for offenders. Despite these enhancements, challenges remained, such as difficulties in collecting evidence, societal biases that impacted the credibility of victims, and an overall lack of comprehensive support systems for survivors. Although the law aimed to tackle the systemic issues linked to rape, its efficacy has remained a topic of ongoing discussion. ...