SAN FERNANDO CITY, July 22 (PIA) – The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) here approved on second and final reading the Safe Spaces or ‘Bawal Bastos’ Ordinance on Wednesday.

During the regular session of the SP on July 21, the body presided by Vice-Mayor Alfredo Pablo R. Ortega approved the new ordinance or also known as an Ordinance Prohibiting Gender-Biased Sexual Harassment in Streets and Public Spaces in the City of San Fernando, providing for the guidelines in the implementation thereof and prescribing penalties thereof.

According to the SP, since 1995, sexual harassment in the Philippines has been specifically prohibited under Republic Act No. 7977, otherwise known as the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995 but has limited and covered only acts committed at work, education, and training-related environment.

Further, the act does not penalize the acts of sexual harassment committed in many other places such as on the streets, in restaurants and malls, public utility vehicles and other public spaces.

“We localized the Republic Act No. 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act to strengthen our thrust in protecting our citizenry and promote women and children’s rights,” said Vice-Mayor Ortega.

“Our city wants to ensure that our women and children, including the members of our LGBTQ+ community who belong to vulnerable sectors of our society, fully experience a safe and secured environment in the city,” added Ortega.

Ortega also encouraged the city’s stakeholders such as the barangay councils and workers, government institutions and non-government organizations which are advocating women empowerment to take part in the implementation of this ordinance.

The ordinance was authored by City Councilor Maria Rosario Eufrosina Nisce through the Committee on Women and Family. (JCR/AMB/AHFF/PIA-1)