President Rodrigo Duterte has signed the Safe Space Act or also known as “Bawal Bastos” law. He signed it on April 17 and was only released to the press on Monday. Let’s get to know what the law is all about.
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What is the Safe Space Act?
Republic Act 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act aims to impose punishments on catcalling or any act of harassment in public spaces and online.
This law was passed to value the dignity of any human person and guarantee full respect for human rights. It was principally authored by Risa Hontiveros.
What are the prohibited acts?
The crimes of the gender-based street and public spaces sexual harassment are committed through unwanted and uninvited sexual actions or remarks against any person, regardless of the motive.
This includes catcalling, wolf-whistling, unwanted invitations, misogynistic, transphobic, homophobic and sexist slurs. It also covers any persistent uninvited comments, or gesture on a person’s appearance and relentless request for personal details.
Furthermore, any statement of sexual comments, public masturbation or flashing of private parts, groping or any advances are prohibited.
Penalties
Light Violations
Acts of cursing, wolf-whistling, catcalling, leering and intrusive gazing, taunting, unwanted invitations, misogynistic, transphobic, homophobic and sexist slurs.
First Time Offenders
- P1000 fine
- 12 hours of community service and
- Attendance to a gender sensitivity seminar.
Second Time Offenders
A 6 to 10 days imprisonment or a fine of P 3,000.
Third Time Offenders
Offenders will be sent to jail for 11 to 30 days and a fine of P10,000.
Medium Violations
Making offensive body gestures and exposing private parts, public masturbation, groping and similar lewd actions.
First Time Offenders
- Fined of P10,000,
- 12 hours of community service and
- Compelled to attend a gender sensitivity seminar.
Second Time Offenders
11 to 30 days imprisonment and a P 15,000-fine.
Third Time Offenders
Violators will be imprisoned from one month and one day to six months and fined P20,000.
Severe Violations
Stalking and brushing against any part of the victim’s body.
First Time Offenders
Violators will be fined P30,000, jailed 11 to 30 days, and required to attend a gender sensitivity seminar.
Second Time Offenders
- pay a P 50,000-fine and
- face imprisonment of one month and one day up to six months;
Third Time Offenders
Offenders will be fine with P 100,000.
Meanwhile, online sexual harassment, cyberstalking, invasion of privacy and harassment in educational institutions are banned. Those found guilty of these acts will be fined P100,000 to P500,000.
The Philippine Commission on Women will be responsible for reviewing the implemented provisions of the law.