TRECE MARTIRES CITY, CAVITE (PIA) - The provincial government of Cavite recently organized a seminar to orient its employees on Republic Act 11313, also known as the Safe Spaces Act or Bawal Bastos law.

The Office of the Provincial Legal Officer (OPLO) took the lead in organizing the orientation on September 21 as part of the employees’ protection against all forms of gender-based sexual harassment committed in public spaces, educational or training institutions, workplaces, and online spaces.

Lawyer Annaliza Mercene-Pulmones, Provincial Legal Officer and Committee on Decorum and Investigation (CODI) head, led the discussion on sexual harassment and the Safe Spaces Act in relation to Civil Service Rules.

The seminar highlighted that sexual harassment offenders in government include those who commit acts of sexual harassment through text messaging, email, online platforms, streets, and public places. The amended rules on sexual harassment recently promulgated by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) define these offenses and specify the punishments, including dismissal from service.

The seminar emphasized the importance of employers and co-workers in providing measures to prevent gender-based sexual harassment. It also highlighted the role of the CODI in investigating and acting on cases of gender-based harassment. (RF/with reports from OPIO)