Lapid seeks more protection for PWDs suffering from abuse

Senator Lito Lapid has filed a bill that seeks to amend the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004 by providing “solid and clearer protection” for persons over 18 years of age but who are suffering from disability, illness, condition or incapacity.

He explained that the amendment must be made to ensure that the lofty goals and purposes of the said law are still being achieved notwithstanding the passage of time.

One such provision that needs updating in order to effect a clearer and less ambiguous language is Section 3(H) regarding the definition of “Children.”

The word “children” in the current law refers to those below 18 years of age or older but are incapable of taking care of themselves, he said.

The phrase “incapable of taking care of themselves” is open to interpretation that may be exploited to the detriment of the victim, according to Lapid.

“Higit 15 taon matapos maipasa ang RA 9262 at hanggang ngayon nananatili itong matibay na batas na nagbibigay hustisya sa mga kababaihan at kabataang biktima ng pang-aabuso at pangmamaltrato,” he said.

“Gayunman, sa tagal na rin na ipinatutupad ang batas na ito, nakakakita tayo ng mga bahagi nitong dapat na amyendahan para lalo pa itong mapalakas. Ang isang indibidwal na edad 18 pataas at kitang-kita namang may dinaramdam na sakit ay hindi na dapat hingian pa ng medical evaluation para lang pumasok sa kategoryang sakop ng batas. Tila ba kasi nauulit lamang ang pang-aabuso sa biktima, at maiiwasan sana ito kung ma-aamyendahan ang partikular na bahagi ng batas na aking nabanggit,” Lapid said.

To remove the ambiguity, this bill intends to clarify the definition by specifying that persons over 18 years of age but who are suffering from a mental or physical disability, illness, condition or incapacity are covered/

Persons who are designated as “persons with disability” under Republic Act 7277 also known as “Magna Carta for Persons with Disability,” are also automatically included in this category.

Thus, if a victim has any of these disabilities or diseases, no further medical evaluation is necessary, the bill states.

“Mula noon hanggang ngayon, hangad kong mapagtibay ang mga batas na nagbibigay ng proteksyon sa mga bata at kababaihan gaya ng ating mga ina, asawa, anak, kapatid at kaibigan,” Lapid said.

“Isinusulong ko rin ang proteksyon at hustisya sa mga naging biktima ng pang-aabuso, higit lalo pa sa mga may kapansanan,” he said.

Source: Latest Politics News Today (Politics.com.ph)