The new law also will presumably give pause to pedophiles who visit the Philippines to buy sex with kids. Sex with a child of seven, whatever the circumstances, carries the death penalty. Rapists can also be executed if the victim contracts the HIV virus, if the rape results in permanent mutilation, if several people take part, if the victim is in police or military custody, and if relatives are forced to watch. In all such cases, the accused cannot seek bail. She also laments the fact that rape with foreign objects carries a lesser punishment than regular penetration.
Rapes are on the rise in the Philippines, say police.
In Manila a rape happens every day, and half the inmates on death row are rapists. Liza Maza, chief of the women's group Gabriela, has serious doubts. Still, for the victims, the new law offers hope that no longer will they be blamed for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. All Rights Reserved. Terms under which this service is provided to you.