Republic of the Philippines  
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City  
EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session  
HOUSE BILL NO. _________ 
Introduced by Representative Mercedes “Didi” C. Cagas 
AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT AND CRISIS ASSISTANCE 
CENTERS FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN EVERY PROVINCE AND CITY IN 
THE COUNTRY, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8505, 
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "RAPE VICTIM ASSISTANCE AND PROTECTION 
ACT OF1998" 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
One of the most frightening consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic is the increase in 
gender-based violence.  The country has been in quarantine for more than a year as a precaution 
against the spread of the global pandemic which has stolen precious lives, mobility, education 
and economic security from millions of Filipinos.  The prolonged lockdown has also tormented 
many women and children who are victims of violence and abuse; the privacy of their homes 
has threatened their mental and physical well-being and has endangered their lives.  
Studies conducted by the United Nations in the country has recorded the rise in cases 
of domestic violence, incest, rape, human trafficking, battery, and other forms of abuse as a 
result of the lockdown.  Perpetrators and human traffickers are taking advantage of the 
economic hardships of families using social media as a platform for cybercrimes preying on 
women and young people, their sexual exploitation behind closed doors and in front of a 
webcam.  The Commission on Human Rights has reported that many victims of violence and 
abuse has requested for rescue and assistance during the lockdown. 
Now, more than ever, the problem of violence and abuse against women and children 
needs to be addressed, their pleas to be heard.  We cannot sacrifice or endanger vulnerable 
survivors by rendering them invisible, minimizing or denying their pleas for help and 
assistance.   They need a home away from the violence and the abuse; the support to help them 
heal and get back on their feet; and to have their cases brought to justice.  It is for this end that 
this representation is proposing for the establishment of Resource Development and Crisis 
Assistance Centers for Women and Children in Every Province and City in the country. 
The immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
MERCEDES “DIDI” C. CAGAS 
July 20, 2021
5:54 pm
9838


] 
Republic of the Philippines  
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City  
EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session  
HOUSE BILL NO. _________ 
Introduced by Representative Mercedes “Didi” C. Cagas 
AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT AND CRISIS ASSISTANCE 
CENTERS FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN EVERY PROVINCE AND CITY IN 
THE COUNTRY, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8505, 
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "RAPE VICTIM ASSISTANCE AND PROTECTION 
ACT OF1998" 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled:  
SECTION 1. Section 1 of Republic Act No. 8505 shall be amended to read as follows: 
“SECTION 1.  Title. - This Act shall be known as the [“Rape Victim Assistance 
and Protection Act of 1998”] RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT AND CRISIS 
ASSISTANCE FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN ACT OF 2016.” 
SEC.  2.  Section 2 of the same Act is hereby also amended to read as follows: 
"SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the 
State to [provide necessary assistance and protection for rape victims] VALUE 
THE DIGNITY OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN, DEFEND THEIR RIGHTS, 
AND RECOGNIZE THEIR ROLE IN NATION-BUILDING AND ALL 
OTHER IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO 
PROTECT THEM. Towards this end, the [government shall coordinate its 
various agencies and non-governmentorganizations to work hand in hand for 
the establishment and operation of a rape crisis center in every province and 
city that shall assist and protect rape victims in the litigation of their cases and 
their recovery.]  STATE SHALL ENSURE THE PROTECTION OF THEIR 
FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND SHALL PROVIDE THEM WITH 
FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES THAT WILL ENHANCE THEIR 
WELFARE AND ENABLE THEM TO REALIZE THEIR 
FULL 
POTENTIALS IN THE SERVICE OF THE NATION.  THE STATE SHALL 
9838


ALSO ENDEAVOR TO PROVIDE WOMEN AND CHILDREN WITH 
UTMOST SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE WHICH SHALL INCLUDE 
AMONG OTHERS, LEGAL SERVICES, LIVELIHOOD AND SKILLS 
DEVELOPMENT, PSYCHOLOGICAL COUNSELLING 
AND 
ALL 
OTHER ASSISTANCE NECESSARY TO PROTECT THEM AGAINST 
ALL FORMS OF NEGLECT, ABUSE, CRUELTY, EXPLOITATION AND 
OTHER 
ACTS 
PREJUDICIAL 
TO 
THEIR 
WELFARE 
AND 
DEVELOPMENT.” 
SEC. 3. Section 3 of the same Act is likewise amended to read as follows:   
SECTION 
3. 
[Rape] 
RESOURCE 
DEVELOPMENT 
AND 
Crisis 
ASSISTANCE Centers. – [The Department of Social Welfare and 
Development (DSWD), the Department of Health (DOH), the Department of 
the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Department of Justice (DOJ), 
and a lead non-governmental organization (NGO) with proven track record or 
experience in handling sexual abuse cases, shall establish in each province and 
city a rape crisis center located in a government hospital or health clinic or in 
any suitable place for the purpose of:  
(a) Providing rape victims with psychological counselling, medical and 
health services, including their medico-legal examination;  
(b) Securing free legal assistance or service, when necessary for rape 
victims;  
(c) Assisting rape victims in the investigation to hasten the arrest of 
offenders and the filing of cases in court;  
(d) Ensuring the privacy and safety of rape victims;  
(e) Providing psychological counselling and medical services whenever 
necessary for the family of rape victims; 
(f) Developing and undertaking a training program for law enforcement 
officers, social workers and barangay officials on human rights and 
responsibilities; gender sensitivity and legal management of rape cases; 
and 
(g) Adopting and implementing programs for the recovery of rape victims.  
 
The DSWD shall be the lead agency in the establishment and operation 
of the Rape Crisis Center.] 
 
“THERE SHALL BE ESTABLISHED RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT AND 
CRISIS ASSISTANCE CENTERS FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN 
EVERY PROVINCE AND CITY IN THE COUNTRY, HEREINAFTER 
REFRRED TO AS THE “CENTERS”. 
 
THESE CENTERS SHALL BE UNDER THE MANAGEMENT AND 
SUPERVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE AND 
DEVELOPMENT (DSWD) IN CONSULTATION WITH CONCERNED 
LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs).  
 
(A) COMPOSITION OF THE INTER-AGENCY COUNCIL. -  AN 
INTER-AGENCY COUNCIL, TO BE KNOWN AS THE 
ADVISORY COUNCIL, SHALL BE CONVENED TO SET THE 
CRITERIA FOR THE SELECTION OF THE SITES OF THE 


CENTERS ALL OVER THE COUNTRY TAKING INTO 
CONSIDERATION THE EXISTING FACILITIES OF THE 
NATIONAL 
GOVERNMENT, 
LGUs, 
AND 
NONGOVERNMENT AND RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS IN 
PARTNERSHIP WITH THE GOVERNMENT.  THE COUNCIL 
SHALL 
BE 
COMPOSED 
OF 
AUTHORIZED 
REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE FOLLOWING: 
a. DEPARTMENT 
OF 
SOCIAL 
WELFARE 
AND 
DEVELOPMENT (DSWD)  
b. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AND LOCAL 
GOVERNMENT (DILG) 
c. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (DOH) 
d. DARTMENT OF JUSTICE (DOJ)  
e. DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY (DTI) 
f. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (DEPED) 
g. DEPARTMENT OF LABPR AND EMPLOYMENT 
(DOLE)  
h. NATIONAL 
ECONOMIC 
AND 
DEVELOPMENT 
AUTHORITY (NEDA) 
i. PHILIPPINE COMMISSION ON WOMEN (PCW) 
j. NATIONAL YOUTH COMMISSION (NYC) 
k. TECHNICAL 
EDUCATION 
AND 
SKILLS 
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORTY (TESDA) 
l. WOMEN AND CHILDREN CONCERNS DIVISION OF 
THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE (WCCD/PNP) 
m. COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION (CHED), 
AND  
n. NONGOVERNMENT/PEOPLES 
ORGANIZATIONS 
DULY ACCREDITED BY NATIONAL GOVERNMENT 
AGENCIES 
THE INTER-AGENCY COUNCIL, DULY CHAIRED BY 
THE DSWD, SHALL ALSO ACT AS AN ADVISORY 
COUNCIL 
TO 
OVERSEE 
THE 
EFFECTIVE 
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CENTERS’ PROGRAMS.  
 
(B) FUNCTIONS OF THE CENTERS. – THE CENTERS SHALL 
HAVE THE 
FOLLOWING 
FUNCTIONS 
TO ENSURE 
COMPREHENSIVE AND INTEGRATED SERVICES:  
 
a. TO SERVE AS VENUE FOR CONSCIOUSNESS-
RAISING, 
CAPABILITY-BUILDING 
AND 
FUNCTIONAL 
LITERACY 
ENHANCEMENT 
PROGRAMS, 
AMONG 
OTHERS, 
THAT 
WILL 
ENHANCE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF ISSUES AND 
PROMOTE COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION;  
b. TO UNDERTAKE PROGRAMS GEARED TOWARDS 
THE DEVELOPMENT OF MATERNAL AND CHILD 
HEALTH CARE, SELF-ENHANCEMENT AND THE 
DEVELOPMENT OF SKILLS FOR LIVELIHOOD 
GENERATION, SOCIAL COMMUNICATION, AND 
OTHER RELATED SKILLS WHICH WILL HELP 


WOMEN 
AND 
CHILDREN 
TO 
BECOME 
PRODUCTIVE MEMBERS OF SOCIETY;  
c. TO PROVIDE FREE LEGAL SERVICES, MEDICAL 
ASSITANCE 
INCLUDING 
MEDICO-LEGAL 
EXAMINATIONS 
AND 
PSYCHOLOGICAL 
COUNSELLING TO VICTIMS OF RAPE AND OTHER 
CASES OF VIOLENCE AGAISNT WOMEN AND 
CHILDREN ENSURING THEIR PRIVACY AND 
SAFETY;  
d. TO UNDERTAKE ACTIVITIES RELATED TO MORAL 
RECOVERY AND GENDER-SENSITIVE VALUES 
FORMATION, COUNSELLING, REHABILITATION, 
AND PSYCHOSOCIAL PROGRAMS;  
e. TO PROVIDE TEMPORARY SHELTER TO ABUSED 
WOMEN AND THEIR CHILDREN;  
f. TO ASSIST RAPE VICTIMS OR VICTIMS OF OTHER 
FORMS OF ABUSES IN THE INVESTIGATION TO 
HASTEN THE ARREST OF OFFENDERS AND THE 
FILING OF CASES IN COURT;  
g. TO PROVIDE PSYCHOLOGICAL COUNSELLING 
AND MEDICAL SERVICES WHEN NECESSARY FOR 
THE FAMILY OF RAPE VICTIMS OR VICTIMS OF 
OTHER FORMS AND ABUSES; 
h. TO PROVIDE SKILLS TRAINING OR LIVELIHOOD 
ASSISTANCE TO SURVIVORS OF VIOLENCE;  
i. TO STRENGTHEN AND FACILITATE LINKAGES OF 
WOMEN’S 
AND 
CHILDREN’S 
GROUPS 
AND 
ORGANIZATIONS 
WITH 
RELEVANT 
GOVERNMMENT 
AGENCIES 
AND 
LGUS 
TO 
MAXIMIZE THE DELIVERY OF BASIC SUPPORT 
SERVICES FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN AND 
ADVOCATE 
FOR 
THE 
PROTECTION 
AND 
ADVANCEMENT OF THEIR RIGHTS;  
j. TO DEVELOP AND UNDERTAKE A CONTINUING 
CAPACITY-BUILDING AND TRAINING PROGRAM 
FOR 
FRONTLINE 
SERVICE 
PROVIDERS 
INCLUDING, 
BUT 
NOT 
LIMITED 
TO, 
LAW 
ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS, PUBLIC PROSECUTORS, 
LAWYERS, 
MEDICO-LEGAL 
OFFICERS, 
PSYCHOLOGISTS, 
DEVELOPMENT 
WORKERS, 
SOCIAL 
WORKERS, 
HEALTH 
WORKERS, 
THERAPISTS AND BARANGAY OFFICIALS ON 
HUMAN RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES; GENDER 
SENSITIVITY AND LEGAL/CASE MANAGEMENT OF 
SITUATIONS/CASES INVOLVING WOMEN AND 
CHILDREN; AND  
k. TO PERFORM SUCH OTHER FUNCTIONS AS MAY 
BE NECESSARY TO CARRY OUT THE OBJECTIVES 
OF THIS ACT.  
 
(C) CLIENTS OF THE CENTERS. – ALL WOMEN AND CHILDREN 
UNDER THE FOLLOWING CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL BE 


ENTITLED TO PROTECTION AND ASSISTANCE BY THE 
CENTERS: 
a. VICTIMS 
OF 
PROSTITUTION 
AND 
SEXUAL 
EXPOLITATION;  
b. VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, ABUSE AND 
BATTERY;  
c. VICTIMS OF RAPE, INCEST, SEXUAL ABUSE, 
HARASSMENT OR MOLESTATION;  
d. VICTIMS 
OF 
ILLEGAL 
RECRUITMENT, 
TRAFFICKING, AND/OR LABOR EXPLOITATION;  
e. VICTIMS OF ARMED CONFLICT, NATURAL OR 
ENVIRONMENTAL 
DISASTERS 
WHO 
ARE 
SUFFERING FROM TRAUMA DUE TO THE TRAGIC 
DEATH OR DISPLACEMENT OF FAMILY MEMBERS, 
DISLOCATION OR LOSS OF LIVELIHOOD;  
f. ABANDONED AND RUN-AWAY WOMEN AND 
CHILDREN;  
g. WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN DETENTION;  
h. VICTIMS OF ANY FORM OF VIOLENCE AND 
SUFFERING FROM ANY CRISIS SITUATION;  
i. VICTIMS 
SUFFERING 
FROM 
MENTAL, 
EMOTIONAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PHYSICAL 
DISABILITIES NEEDING SPECIAL SUPPORT AND 
ASSISTANCE; AND  
j. VICTIMS OF OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES AS MAY BE 
DETERMINED BY THE DSWD.  
 
(D) PERSONNEL/STAFF COMPLEMENT OF THE CENTERS. - 
EACH CENTER SHALL BE HEADED BY A FEMALE 
DIRECTOR WHO HOLDS A BACHELORS DEGREE IN IN 
SOCIAL WORK OR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OR 
SIMILAR COURSES, HAS A MINIMUM EXPERIENCE OF 
FIVE (5) YEARS IN COUNSELLING, SOCIAL AND 
PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES AND OTHER RELATED 
FIELD OR EXPERIENCE, AND POSSESSES A PROVEN 
TRACK RECORD AS AN ADVOCATE OF WOMEN’S ISSUES 
AND EXPERTISE IN GENDER-RESPONSIVE TRAININGS 
AND PROGRAMS FOR CAPABILITY-BUILDING AND IS OF 
GOOD MORAL CHARACTER.  
 
THE SECRETARY OF THE DSWD, IN CONSULTATION 
WITH THE HEADS OF THE CONCERNED LGU SHALL 
APPOINT THE DIRECTOR AND OTHER NECESASRY 
PERSONNEL 
OF 
THE 
CENTERS. 
 
THE 
STAFF 
COMPLEMENT OF THE CENTERS SHALL BE SUBJECT TO 
THE APPROVAL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET AND 
MANAGEMENT (DBM).  
 
VOLUNTEERS FROM THE VARIOUS NONGOVERNMENT 
ORGANIZATIONS 
MAY 
EXTEND 
PROFESSIONAL, 
HOUSEHOLD, 
RECREATIONAL 
AND 
TRAINING 
EXPERTISE TO THE CENTERS.  STUDENTS OF SOCIAL 
WORK AND WOMEN STUDIES AND OTHER RELATED 


PROGRAMS WHO ARE IN PRACTICUM COURSES MAY 
RENDER VOLUNTARY SERVICES TO THE CENTERS.  THE 
PERSONNEL AND STAFF, AS WELL AS VOLUNTEER 
WORKERS, SHALL UNDERGO REGULAR TRAININGS ON 
HOW BEST TO HANDLE THE DIFFERENT SITUATIONS OF 
THE BENEFICIARIES OF THE CENTERS.    
SEC. 4. Republic Act No. 8505 is hereby further amended by inserting the following new 
Sections after Section 3 thereof:  
 
SECTION 4. REHABILITIATION AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM. – THE 
DSWD, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE INTER-AGENCY COUNCIL 
CONVENED UNDER SECTION 3(A) HEREOF, SHALL WITHIN SIX (6) 
MONTHS FROM THE APPROVAL OF THIS ACT, FORMULATE A 
PROGRAM FOR THE REHABILITATION, DEVELOPMENT AND 
PROTECTION OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN, MENTIONED IN 
SECTION 3(B) HERE OF THE COUNCIL SHALL ALSO OVERSEE THE 
EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROGRAMS OF THE 
CENTERS 
AND 
MONITOR 
THE 
ACCOMPLISHMENTS 
OF 
PARTICIPATING AGENCIES. 
 
IT SHALL ALSO ACT AS AN ADVISORY BOARD.  THE DSWD MAY 
CALL 
ON 
NATIONAL 
AGENCIES 
AND 
LGUS, 
ACADEMIC 
INSTITUTIONS AND INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS TO ASSIST 
IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS ACT BY WAY OF PROGRAM 
COLLABORATION AND FUNDING AUGMENTATION, AMONG 
OTHERS.  
 
SECTTION 5. AUTHORITY TO ACCEPT DONATIONS. – THE DSWD, 
THROUGH THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES, MAY ACCEPT 
DONATIONS AND GRANTS, BOTH DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN, FOR 
PURPOSES RELEVANT TO THE FUNCTIONS OF THE CENTERS, THE 
DONATIONS AND GRANTS SHALL BE ALLOTTED TO THE VARIOUS 
CENTERS IN SUCH AMOUNT AS MAY BE DEEMED BEST BY THE 
DSWD OR FOR THE PURPOSES SPECIFIED BY THE DONOR.  SUCH 
DONATIONS AND GRANTS SHALL BE SUBJECT TO PERTINENT 
ACCOUNTING AND AUDITING RULES AND REGULATIONS.  
SEC. 5. Sections 4, 5 and 6 of Republic Act No. 8505 are hereby renumbered accordingly as 
Sections 6, 7 and 8.  
SEC. 6. Sections 7 and 8 of Republic Act No. 8505 are hereby deleted.  
SEC. 7.  Appropriations. – The amount necessary for the implementation of this Act shall be 
included in the budget of the DSWD under the annual General Appropriations Act. 
SEC. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – Within ninety (90) days upon the approval of 
this Act, the DSWD and all concerned agencies shall formulate rules and regulations as may 
be necessary for the proper implementation thereof.  
SEC. 9. Separability Clause. – If any part, section or provision of this Act shall be held 
unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions not otherwise affected shall remain in full force 
and effect.  


SEC. 10. Repealing Clause. – All laws, decrees, executive orders, proclamations, rules and 
regulations, and other issuances, or parts thereof which are inconsistent with or contrary to the 
provisions of this Act, are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
SEC. 11. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its complete 
publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.  
Approved,