SENATOR Loren Legarda is urging the Senate to investigate, in aid of legislation, the recent series of child rape to strengthen the implementation of laws against it.

“We are very concerned with the alarming increase of child rape cases, especially that many of the perpetrators are relatives of the victims, trusted individuals,” Legarda said in filing for Senate Resolution 1050.

“We need to find out whether our current laws are enough or are even being properly implemented to punish the guilty, protect the victims, and empower the state to help the victims recover anew,” she added.

It may be recalled that the Commission on Human Rights released a statement strongly condemning reported rape cases involving children.

The CHR also emphasized that the cases are a grave violation of human rights and stressed the need for effective protective measures for children.

According to the Child Protection Network Foundation, Inc., 2,890 of the 4,079 child violence cases reported from January 1 to May 26, 2024, were sexual abuse/assault.

“We are seeking for Congress to pass Senate Bill No. 2401, which we filed, to institutionalize the establishment of Women and Children Protection Units in all government hospitals,” asserted Legarda.

“We are also seeking to assess if the substantial amount spent regularly on gender issues is making a significant impact on the most critical issues on gender and child rights,” she added.

Legarda, who pushed for the passage of numerous laws championing women’s and children’s rights, called for better implementation of them, such as the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act and the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.

Also sought to be implemented properly are the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act and its expanded version, and An Act Promoting for Stronger Protection Against Rape and Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, Increasing the Age for Determining the Commission of Statutory Rape.