Women panel pushes ordinance vs gender-based sexual harassment

The committee on women and family relations, chaired by City Councilor Des Dahino, deliberated on the proposed ordinance aimed at curbing gender-based sexual harassment in public and private spaces.

Anchored on Republic Act No. 11313, otherwise known as the Safe Spaces Act or “Bawal Bastos” Law, the proposed ordinance seeks to penalize acts of gender-based sexual harassment committed in social spaces, workplaces, educational institutions, and even online platforms.

It also proposes the creation of an Anti-Sexual Harassment Council tasked to formulate the implementing rules and regulations (IRR), develop preventive measures, and spearhead city-wide information and advocacy campaigns.

“This is not just mere compliance,” Dahino emphasized, noting that beyond localizing the mandate of the national law, the measure aims to ensure that every Kagay-anon feels safe, protected, and respected in both public and private spaces.

During the discussion, invited resource persons raised comments and recommendations on several provisions of the proposed ordinance, including the possible expansion of the composition of the proposed council, the scope of the measure, and the process for handling complaints and imposing penalties.

Dahino, author of the said measure alongside Councilor Girlie Balaba, committed to further refine and strengthen the proposal in hopes of its approval and implementation. (SPE/SP)