The Supreme Court ruled the law on violence against women and their children (VAWC) also applies to lesbian relationships.
In a decision penned by Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, the High Court denied a petition filed by an individual who was accused of slapping and stabbing her former female partner.
The petitioner was charged with violation of Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004.
But the petitioner moved to quash the information against her.
She argued that a woman cannot be charged with violating the law since it was intended to protect women and children against the abusive acts of men.
However, the regional trial court denied the motion, which was affirmed by the Court of Appeals.
This prompted the petitioner to file an appeal before the Supreme Court.
In ruling against the petitioner, the SC cited the case of Jacinto v. Fouts, where it ruled that the law applies to lesbian relationships.
The high court held that VAWC may be committed by “any person” against a woman or her child and that the law uses a gender-neutral term when referring to offenders.
