THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) lauded the passage of the Safe Streets, Public Spaces and Workplace Act, or the “Bawal Bastos” bill.
The bill, which lapsed into law on April 21 after President Duterte failed to act on a bicameral conference committee report ratified in February, penalizes sexual harassment in the forms of stalking, leering, catcalling and wolf-whistling.
CHR spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia said the new law strengthens the commitment to prevent gender-based sexual harassment occurring in public places.
“Women and members of the LGBTQIA+ community have long been at the receiving end of catcalling, wolf-whistling, and obscene remarks in public spaces. While there are cities in the Philippines, such as Manila and Quezon City, that passed local ordinances punishing such acts, a national legislation further strengthens the commitment to curb gender-based sexual harassment in streets, schools, workplaces, and other similar places,” she said.
The CHR is seeking the full implementation of the law “to ensure that the rights of vulnerable and disadvantaged are protected in every part of the country.”
“The greater challenge to us all is to work on a society that is free from discrimination, a community safe to express one's self, and a country with respect to everyone's rights and dignity,” she said.