While it has still been a question in mind for many Filipinos, the public service program CIA with BA once and for all answered if a spouse can be accused of rape even within the bounds of marriage.
The question came from one of the members of the show’s ‘Mariteam’ during the segment ‘Yes or No’ in the episode aired on Sunday, November 26.
Addressed to Pia Cayetano, Queen Manilyn asked: “Can a spouse be sued for rape? Yes or No?”
“The answer is yes,’’ Pia replied. “A little background, this law is relatively new—new in the sense that when I was studying law, it wasn’t a law yet. But, as I said, we are evolving, society is maturing, so it has been understood that a woman’s right includes her body.”
“Just because we’re married, and you love your spouse so much, and you care for each other, doesn’t mean that only he should decide when he wants to, right? So it’s still rape if it’s forced,” Pia explained. “So in a loving relationship, it should be mutual.”
Supporting his sister’s statements, Alan Peter Cayetano expanded on the spiritual context.
“Many quote the Bible that when you’re married, ‘do not deny your body to the other.’ That’s directed to both of you. So it means the Bible doesn’t remove your personal choice and consent,” he said. “So if you force it, it’s still rape.”
CIA with BA with Alan, Pia, and Boy Abunda airs every Sunday, 11:30 p.m. on GMA7.