Well, it’s about time.
“Reps. Emmi de Jesus and Luzviminda Ilagan, both of Gabriela Women’s Partylist, called on their colleagues to act on House Bill 4377 which seeks to repeal the antiquated Revised Penal Code (RPC) provision that imposes different penalties for married couples found guilty of cheating on their partners,” reports Ben Rosario in Manila Bulletin.
De Jesus and Ilagan described Articles 333 and 334 of the RPC as discriminatory against women.
The report noted: “They pointed out that under Art. 333, a wife can be convicted of a crime of adultery for a single act of sexual intercourse with a man who is not her husband. However, under Art. 334, the husband can only be convicted of the crime of concubinage if found guilty of any of the following acts: (1) keeping a mistress in a conjugal dwelling; (2) having sexual intercourse under scandalous circumstances with a woman who is not his wife; or (3) cohabiting with her in any other place.”
Similar moves have been taken by several lawmakers in the past Congress sessions but not one succeeded. De Jesus and Ilagan said they are hopeful that the current Congress will finally do something about it.
