Manila: House of Representatives Senior Deputy Minority Leader, Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Representative Leila De Lima, has introduced a legislative measure aimed at enhancing the protection of women and children from rape and sexual violence. The move seeks to address significant gaps in the current legal framework and ensure justice for victims. According to Philippines News Agency, De Lima submitted House Bill 8716 on March 23. The bill proposes to broaden the definition of rape by emphasizing the absence of consent, acknowledge grooming as a predatory behavior leading to sexual abuse, and enforce stricter penalties for perpetrators who hold positions of authority or trust. The proposed legislation stipulates a penalty of 40 years of imprisonment without the possibility of parole for violators. The bill aims to strengthen definitions, penalties, and accountability mechanisms. It underscores the government's commitment to safeguarding individuals from sexual violence and exploitation, while upholding their fundamental rights to dignity, safety, and justice. De Lima highlighted that instances of violence and abuse across genders and sexual orientations continue to be underreported due to fear, stigma, and barriers in accessing justice, necessitating the need for stronger legal protections and enforcement measures. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority shows that 11,479 cases of rape involving girls below 16 years old were recorded in 2023, yet no case was filed under RA 11648 during the same period. Additionally, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) reported that in 2021, two million children in the Philippines were victims of online sexual abuse and exploitation. De Lima stressed the importance of implementing more robust procedural safeguards against sexual exploitation. These include mandatory reporting obligations, prohibiting amicable settlements and affidavits of desistance in rape cases, and enhancing protections for the privacy and identity of victims. She emphasized the urgency of enacting a stronger law to ensure greater accountability, especially as instances of rape and sexual abuse on digital platforms continue to rise and some officials and authority figures tolerate harassment and vulgarity.