Sad news, although it could be inflated by a slightly positive event: the simple possibility that more people are reporting rape cases now than before. Regardless:

The number of rape cases reported nationwide hit 3,084 last year, up by 492 cases or about 20 percent from the 2,592 listed by the police in 2002, according to a pro-life lawmaker.

Citing PNP figures, Rep. Joseph Santiago (NPC, Catanduanes) said an average of nearly nine rape cases were reported each day last year, compared to seven incidents daily in 2002.

"What we have here is solid statistical confirmation that fear of the death penalty has not served to discourage rape or other crimes for that matter," Santiago, a crusader against capital punishment, said.