Laws in the Philippines for women abuse?

Answer 1

The existing laws in the Philippines for Domestic Violence against women is The Revised Penal Code (RPC) which defines crimes involving physical injuries, mutilation, threats, coercion, parricide, and murder that can be used by women victims of domestic violence in filing criminal cases. However, these laws have limited definitions that fail to take into account particular circumstances of DV cases and are inadequate in giving justice to the victims.

The current status of the Domestic Violence Bill: Women advocates have been lobbying for almost a decade, but the Philippine Congress has yet to enact one. The passage of this bill will address many domestic violence issues. However, the Bill has to go through many processes to be passed, unfortunately :(.

In the Philippines, two measures of addressing the issue of domestic violence are being deliberated in Congress. The Anti-Abuse of Women In Intimate Relationships (anti-AWIR) Bill and the Domestic Violence Bill. The lower house of Philippine Congress has passed the AWIR bill while the DV Bill has been reported out for floor deliberation by the house committee on Family and Population. The Senate Committee on Women is currently in the process of holding public consultations at both measures. In the meantime, women's NGO's have been finding legislative success on the local front. The passage of local ordinances on domestic violence has been successful in key cities nationwide, particularly in Cebu City.

Availibility of Services: Government efforts to address the issue of DV in terms of providing services have been commendable, primarily due to committed advocates within the government. Various government agencies, including the Department of Health, the Philippine National Police, and the Department of the Interior and Local Governments have programs addressing DV. These include women's desks and units in hospitals and precincts, education programs among service providers, including barangay officials, and emergency shelters. However, these efforts are localized, uncoordinated, and without a national standard.

I also came across some laws such as:

Act No. 9208 Anti-Trafficking Persons Act

Act No. 9262 Defining Violence against women and their children

Act No. 7877 On Sexual Harassment.

As said in the paragraphs, the Philippine Laws fail to address Domestic Violence, but hopefully bills do get passed to help women there. Obviously, I am a big supporter of Womens Rights!

I hope no domestic violence is happening to you. If so, try and contact friends, family, shelters, anything-- and get away.