Abigail Binay blasts Roxas’ ‘lack of action’ over increased rape cases

Makati Representative Abigail Binay. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / NINO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines—A daughter of Vice President Jejomar Binay slammed on Sunday the “lack of forceful action” of Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II over the increasing number of rape cases on women and children in the country.

House Deputy Majority Leader and Makati representative Mar-Len Abigail Binay cited statistics from the Philippine National Police (PNP) which revealed that from January to September this year, 7,785 rape cases have been recorded nationwide.

The figure translates to 28 rape cases every day, up from 23 last year.

“Some observers say that the PNP under Secretary Roxas has by and large been remiss in suppressing violent crimes against persons and property. We need a new get-tough policy on crime. And we need it yesterday,” Binay said in a statement.

The lawmaker sounded the alarm that with the said figure, rape cases in the country might surge to 10,000 cases for the first time.

“At this high rate of increase, we’re afraid the aggregate number of rape cases for the entire 12 months of 2014 will likely top the 10,000-mark for the first time,” Binay added.

To curb the surging rape cases in the country, Binay proposed greater police visibility at night and institutionalization of women’s desk in every police station.

She also wanted to launch an inquiry on the implementation of Republic Act 8505 or Rape Victim Assistance and Protection Act of 1998, which mandates the establishment of one crisis center for rape victims in every city and province.

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