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!”
Good news, mga mahal!
BATAS NA: Safe Streets & Public Spaces Act (our 12th law) will protect everyone, especially women & LGBT, from sexual harassment in the streets, schools & workplaces.
This law is a landmark victory against bastos culture. Goodbye, catcallers!
— risa hontiveros (@risahontiveros) May 29, 2019
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.
Ma’am, what is the penalty for offenders?
May the President be penalized under this new law? He appears to be the NUMBER ONE OFFENDER!— MyRizal (@MyRizalPH) May 29, 2019
Applicable pô ba ito kay PRRD?
— KimLim👫[email protected] (@LettemeLove) May 29, 2019
Sakop ba ng batas na yan ang bastos sa malacañang?
— Jay pagli (@JayPagli) May 29, 2019
Of course, law excuses no one from compliance therewith.
— Dishiki (@BoyInLuz) May 29, 2019
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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