SENATORS ALAN Peter Cayetano and Pia Cayetano stressed that sexual abuse cases, especially those involving minors, must never end in settlement.

“Makikita mo na doon sa maseselan na kasong katulad nito na sa batas, bawal ang aregluhan. Kahit dalhin mo sila sa barangay, at kahit willing mag-appear lahat ng parties, hindi mo pupuwedeng aregluhin ang child abuse, lalo kung sexually abused yung bata,” Senator Alan said.

Senator Pia, a known women’s advocate, said the first thing that matters in sexual abuse cases is the safety and well-being of the victim.

“Ang pinaka-importante dito ay ang kanyang mental and emotional state. Hindi magaan ito na experience, ‘di ba. We want her to have the best intervention kasi it’s very possible na years after, dala dala niya pa ito,” she said.

“For many years, nagkakaroon talaga ako ng activities to promote against violence against women and children kasi nga nagkakaroon ng ganyan ay sadly within the home.” she added.

With such cases becoming more prevalent, Senator Pia urged the public to be vigilant and to be sensitive to the signs of people being sexually abused.

“Request ko lang kung ikaw ay kapitbahay, kaibigan, o kakilala, minsan tama ang kutob eh. Kung may kutob ka, baka meron talagang nangyayaring sexual abuse,” she added.

The senators said that in the new statutory rape law, those 16 years old and below cannot consent to sexual activities.

“Huwag tayong magduda na baka pumayag ang bata. It’s irrelevant kung anuman ang inasta ng bata,” Senator Pia said.

Echoing his sister, Senator Alan said, “It’s still child abuse. Walang lusot.”