Senator Risa Hontiveros emphasized the necessity to revise the existing laws for stricter protection of women and children during the screening of a French documentary about incest titled “Un Silence si Bruyant" at the SM Mall of Asia Cinema on Saturday, November 25.

According to Hontiveros, there were already discussions about updating the ‘Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Law' prior to watching the documentary.

She told French actress and film director Emmanuelle Béart that the work on updating the bill will continue all thanks to the documentary, which can be shared with people and move them in the work moving forward.

The senator also told the audience during the panel discussion that her heart has already been in pain from the ongoing hearing about the children who have been abused by a cult in Socorro, Surigao del Norte.

Hontiveros shared the sufferings of children for being forced into marriage, engaging in sexual activities, and being denied education, health services, and other opportunities that life could offer them.

She added the human trafficking hubs and centers that have been present around the Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGO) that have victimized women and young women.

Meanwhile, Quezon City Representative Ma. Victoria Co-Pilar seeks to remove gender bias from the law, providing heavier penalties for unfaithful wives compared to philandering husbands.