Good news! On Twitter, Sen. Risa Hontiveros announced that the Safe Streets & Public Spaces Act, aka the “Bawal Bastos” bill is now officially a law. She wrote, “This law is a landmark victory against bastos culture. Goodbye, catcallers!”
Principally authored by Siquijor Rep. Ramon V.A. Rocamora, Akbayan Rep. Tom Villarin, and AGBIAG Rep. Michelle Antonio, it seeks to “protect everyone, especially women & LGBT, from sexual harassment in the streets, schools & workplaces.”
Under this law, “cat-calling, wolf-whistling, unwanted invitations, misogynistic and sexist slurs, persistent uninvited comments or gestures on a person’s appearance, relentless requests for personal details, statements of sexual comments or suggestions, or any advances, whether physical or verbal, that is unwanted and has threatened one’s personal space and physical safety” are considered offenses.
Punishment ranges from a fine of up to P10,000 and imprisonment of up to 30 days. While we think the stakes could be higher, we still acknowledge this win. Netizens are celebrating too and they have some valid questions, particularly about Pres. Rodrigo Duterte and his well-known promotion of the bastos culture.
We just hope the law will be implemented PROPERLY. We agree with these netizens. This should put a stop to the president’s lewd ways.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
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