In the Philippines, the age of sexual consent is 16 years old. This was raised from the previous age of 12 in 2022. A recent law, RA 11648, makes sexual contact with anyone under 16 statutory rape, regardless of consent. There is an exception if the age difference between the participants is three years or less, the sex was consensual, and neither abusive nor exploitative.
Key points about the age of consent in the Philippines:
- 16 is the legal age of consent: Any sexual activity with someone under 16 is considered statutory rape, with or without their consent.
- Gender-neutral: The law applies to both male and female children and offenders.
- Exemption for certain age differences: There is a narrow exception for consensual sex between adults where the age difference is three years or less and the act is not abusive or exploitative.
- Definition of rape: The law defines rape as any act of violence on a person, regardless of gender, when the victim is under 16.
- Child protection: The law is part of efforts to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation.
