MANILA – The implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of a new law that imposes stiffer penalties on a range of acts from catcalling, sexist slurs, stalking, and cyberstalking were signed on Monday.
Senator Risa Hontiveros, the author of the law in the Senate, said in a speech that the Safe Spaces Act, or the Bawal Bastos Law is a game-changer measure that will end gender-based harassment and violence in public places.
“Isa itong makasaysayang araw. Sa wakas, may IRR na ang Bawal Bastos Law. Bilang na ang mga araw ng mga ‘boy bastos’ at lahat ng sino man na gagawa ng gender-based public harassment,” added Hontiveros.
“The IRR underwent an intense review by government agencies, advocacy groups and members of the academe,” she added. “This will promote positive policy, behavioral and cultural changes.”
Among those who signed the IRR were the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Education, and Commission on Human Rights.
The new law places cursing, catcalling, wolf-whistling, leering, taunting, misogynistic and sexist slurs, persistent telling of sexual jokes, and use of sexual names, among others, as gender-based streets and public spaces sexual harassment.
The specified acts may be punishable from community service of 12 hours up to arresto menor or 11 to 30 days imprisonment for the third offense./PN
