By Liza Soriano

MANILA — Senator Robin Padilla filed a bill on Monday, August 12, 2024, seeking to impose harsher penalties for sexual assault, including the death penalty.

Senate Bill 2777, authored by Padilla, aims to strengthen the law and make it more gender-responsive, acknowledging that rape affects both males and females.

“Despite the existing penalties under RA 8353, there is a compelling need to increase the punishment for anyone who commits rape as defined under Paragraph 2, Article 266-A of the Revised Penal Code, as amended by RA 8353,” Padilla stated.

“By doing so, we can ensure our laws are stronger, more gender-responsive, and progressive, particularly in these changing times,” he added.

Under the proposed bill, the penalties of reclusion perpetua to death may be applied if:

  • The rape is committed with the use of a deadly weapon or by two or more persons;
  • The victim becomes insane due to the rape;
  • Homicide is committed during an attempted rape;
  • The rape is committed under any of the aggravating or qualifying circumstances mentioned in the article.

ia/mnm