Law Summary
Amendments to Qualified and Simple Seduction (Articles 337 and 338)
- Qualified seduction applies to minors 16-18 years by persons of authority or trust roles punishable by prision correccional (minimum to medium).
- Exception where seduction of sister or descendant incurs higher penalty.
- Simple seduction of minors 16-18 by deceit is punishable by arresto mayor.
Amendments to the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act (RA 7610)
- Child prostitution and other sexual abuses defined as sexual acts of children induced by money, profit, or coercion.
- Sexual acts with child exploited in prostitution or otherwise sexually abused punishable under Revised Penal Code; reclusion perpetua for lascivious conduct if victim under 16.
- Child trafficking, including buying/selling children, punished by reclusion temporal to reclusion perpetua; maximum penalty if victim under 16.
- Obscene publications and indecent shows involving children by hiring, coercion, or inducement punishable by prision mayor; maximum penalty if child under 18.
- Keeping company of minor 16 or under or 10 years his junior in public or similar places punishable by prision mayor and fine; exceptions for relatives within fourth degree or duties performed.
Institutional Responsibilities and Education Measures
- Educational and care institutions must include child protection duties in staff development programs.
- Department of Education to integrate age-appropriate teachings on children's rights and protection related to this Act in the basic education curriculum.
Legal Adjustments and Effectivity
- Invalid provisions do not affect remainder of the Act, which remains fully effective.
- All inconsistent laws, decrees, regulations amended, modified or repealed accordingly.
- The Act takes effect 15 days after publication in Official Gazette or newspaper of general circulation.