Safe spaces ACT:RA NO.

11313

An act defining gender-based sexual harassment in streets,public spaces, online,workplaces, and

educational or training institutions,providing protective measures and prescribing penalties therefor.

It is a special law which seeks to eradicate all forms of sexual harassment by recognizing that both men
and women must have equality ,security and safety not only in private ,but also on the streets,public
spaces,online,workplaces and educational and training institutions.

Safe spaces act :RA No. 11313

Background

An overwhelming 88% of women aged 18 to 24 years Old experienced sexual harassment in the streets
(SWS,2010).

While Wolf-Whistling and catcalling are the more common cases, other forms of sexual harassment
include lascivious language, stalking,rubbing or touching,incident gestures,exhibitionism and public
masturbation.

58% of these incidents take place on the streets and small alleys. They have also been reported to
happen in public vehicles,washrooms,schools and workplaces.

Safe spaces act :RA No.11313

RA No.7877:Anti-sexual harassment of 1995

The act is committed by a person who,having authority,influence or moral ascendancy over another in a
work or training or education environment,demands,requests or otherwise requires of ,whether the
demand,request or requirement for submission is accepted.

The Philippine commission for women (PCW), The primary policy-making and coordinating body on
women and gender equality concerns,opines that the confinement of sexual harassment to the
existence of authority, influence or moral ascendancy between the offender and the offended party
unduly restricts its application,letting the same act between peers and co-workers to run unchecked and
unregulated.

The same act commited against the superior officer is also not within its purview.

On April 17,2019,the safe spaces act or previously called anti bastos bill,was signed into law by the
president.

With the aim of ensuring an individual’s sense of personal space and public safety,the safe spaces act
addresses gender-based sexual harassment in public areas such as streets,privately-owned places open
to the public,and public utility vehicles,among others.It also extends the protection even to cyberspace
and provides for prohibited acts and their corresponding penalties.
Any person,not only women,but men and children arew also protected.

It is not only women who are protected under the safe spaces act, because it recognizes that anyone can
perpetuate sexual harassment and anyone can be a victim of sexual harassment.

Salient features of the space safe act

Gender-base sexual Harassment

Expands the scope of anti-sexual harassment act of 1995

Strengthens the administrative mechanisms against sexual harassment in workplaces and in educational
and training institutions

Recognizes that sexual harassment can be committed between peers or by a subordinate to a superior,
by a student to a teacher or by a trainee to a trainer.

Salient Features of the Space safe act

Penalizes sexual harassment which also occurs in other environments such as public spaces and online
platforms.

Outlines the additional duties and corresponding liabilities for employers and heads of schools and
training institutions to ensure that sexual harassment complaints in their respective institutions are
addressed appropriately.

Both men and woment must have equality ,security ans safely not only in private, but also on the
streets, public spaces,online,workplaces, and educational and training institutions.

Public Spaces Includes

Gender-based online sexual harassment

Gender-based online sexual harassment

Qualified gender-based streets,public spaces and online sexual harassment

GENDER-BASED SEXUAL harassment in educational and training institutions

Public spaces

Refer to streets and Alleys,public parks,buildings,school,churches,public washrooms,malls,internet

shops,restaurants and cafes,transportation terminals ,public markets,spaces used as evacuation
centers,government offices,public utility vehicles as well as private vehicles covered by app-based
transport network services and other recreational spaces such as, but not limited to resorts and water
parkes, hotels and casinos,cinema halls,theaters,bars ,clubs, spas regardless of ownership,openly
accessible or offered to be accessed by the public.
GENDER-BASED STREETS AND PUBLIC SPACES SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Unwanted and uninvited sexual actions/advances/remarks against any person regardless of yhe motive
and has threatened one’s sense of personal space and physical safety;

Committed in streets and public spaces.

Mga ipinagbabawal ng bastos Law

R.A. 11313 otherwise known as safe spaces Act’

1.cursing

2.wolf-whistiing

3.catcalling

4.Leering and intrusive gazing

5.Taunting

6.Unwanted invitations

7.Misogynistic

8.Transphobic

9.Homophobic

10.Sexist slurs

11.Persistent unwanted comments on one’s appearance.

12.Relentiess request for one’s personal details such as name.

13.Contact and social medias or destination.

14.Use of words, gestures or actions that ridicule orientation, identity and/or expression

Streets and public spaces

Catcalling-rude sexual remarks made by men to women passing by.

Wolf whistling-a two-note whistled sound to show interest, especially to a person viewed as physically
or sexually attractive.

Leering/intrusive gazing-looking or gazing in a lascivious or unpleasant way.

Taunting-a taunt is a battle cry,sarcastic remark,gesrture,or insult intended to demoralize the

recipient,or to anger them and encourage reactionary behaviors without thinking.
Streets and public spaces

Any advances,whether verbal or physical and that is unwanted and has threatened one’s sense of
personal space and such as alleys,roads,sidewalks and parks.

Persistent uninvited comments or gestures on a person’s appearance

Relentless requests for personal details

Statement of sexual comments and suggestions

Public masturbation or flashing of private parts

Groping,offensive body gestures,and other similar lewd sexual actions

Misogyny-hatred of women (ex. “Mga babae salot!)

Transphopia-having or showing a dislike or a prejudice against transsexual or transgender people.

(Note:transgender-is a term used to describe people whose gender identity differs from the sex they
were assigned at birth.)

Homophobia-is the fear,hatred,discomfort with, or mistrust of people who are lesbian,gay,or bisexual.

Sexist slur- is a term of disparagement used to refer to members of a given gender, sex, or sexual
orientation in a derogatory or judgemental manner.(ex. “Mga babae,pangkama lang!)

Bawal Bastos Law

Penalties R.A. 11313 safe spaces law

1st degree offenses

1.Cursing

2.Catcalling

3.Wolf-whistling

4.Leering and instrusive gazing

5.Taunting unwanted invitations

6.Misogynistic,transphobic,homophobic, and sexist slurs.

7.Persistent unwanted comments on one’s appearance.

8.Relenfies request for personal details such as name,contact and social media details or destination.

9.use of words,gestures, or actions that ridicule on the basis of sex,gender or sexual orientation.
10.identify and/or expression including sexist homophobic, transphobic statements and slurs.

11.Persistent telling of sexual jokes.

12.Use of sexual names. Comments and demands.

13.Any statement that has made on invasion on a person’s sense of personal safety.

1. 1st offense:

P1,000-fine and 12-hour community

Service with gender sensitivity Seminar

2. 2nd offense:

P-3,000-fine/6-10 days imprisonment

3. 3rd Offense:

P-10,000-6months and 11-30 days imprisonment

2nd degree offenses

Making offensive body gesture at someone

Public masturbation

Flashing of private parts

Groping

Similar lewd actions

1. 1st offense:

P10,000-fine and 12-hour

Community service with gender sensitivity seminar

2nd offense:

P15,000-fine/11-30 days imprisonment

3rd offense:

1 month and 1 day to 6 moths imprisonment & P20,000-fine

Duties of Local government unit

LGUs Shall Bear primary responsibility in enforcing the provisions.

Pass an ordinance whichg shall localize the applicability of this act within 60 days of its effectivity

Disseminate or post in conspicuous place copy of this act and the ordinance

Provide measaures to prevent gender based sexual harassnebt in educational institutions such as
information campaigns and anti-sexual harassment seminars.

IMPLEMENTING BODIES

Metro manila development authority(MMDA)

Local units of PNP

Women and Children’s protection desk of the PNP

PCW,DILG,department of information and communications technology (DICT)

Anti-sexual harassment enforcers

Anti-sexual harassment desk in all barangay and city halls

GENDER-BASED ONLINE SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Includes acts that use information and communication technology in terrorizing and intimidating victims

GENDER-BASED ONLINE SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Paychological and emotional threats online:

Unwanted sexual misogynistic,transphobic and sexist remarks and comments online whether publicly or
through direct and private messages

Invasion of victim’s privacy through cyberstalking and incessant messaging

Uploading and sharing without the consent of the victim, any form of media that’s contains photos,
voice or video with sexual content

Unauthorized recording and sharing of any of the victim’s photos,videos,or Any information online

Impersonating identities of victims online or posting lies about victims to harm their reputation

Filing false abuse reports to online platforms to silence victims

Implementing bodies for gender based online sexual harassment

PNP anti-cybercrime group-as the national operational support unit of PNP primary responsible for the
implementation of pertinent Philippine LAWS on Cyber crime,shall receive complaints of sender based
online sexual harassment and develop an online Mechanism for reporting real time gender based online
sexual harassment and apprehend perpetrators.

Cybercrime investigation and coordinating center of the dict shall coordinate with PNPACG to prepare
appropriate and effective measures to monitor and penalize gender based online sexual harassment.
1. What is the primary focus of the Safe Spaces Act (RA No. 11313) in the
Philippines? a. Promoting freedom of speech
b. Addressing gender-based sexual harassment
c. Regulating online platforms
d. Restricting workplace interactions
Answer: b. Addressing gender-based sexual harassment

2. According to the background information, what percentage of women aged 18

to 24 experienced sexual harassment in public spaces in the Philippines? a. 50%
b. 75%
c. 88%
d. 95%
Answer: c. 88%

3. What are some common forms of sexual harassment mentioned in the

background information? a. Friendly gestures and compliments
b. Exhibitionism and public masturbation
c. Handshakes and casual conversations
d. Online chatting and social media comments
Answer: b. Exhibitionism and public masturbation

4. How does the Safe Spaces Act improve upon the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of
1995 (RA No. 7877)? a. Tightening restrictions on freedom of expression
b. Recognizing sexual harassment only between superiors and subordinates
c. Recognizing sexual harassment between peers and in various settings
d. Excluding protection for men and children
Answer: c. Recognizing sexual harassment between peers and in various settings

5. What is explicitly prohibited under the Safe Spaces Act? a. Complimenting

someone's appearance
b. Cursing
c. Offering invitations in a respectful manner
d. Friendly gestures and casual conversations
Answer: b. Cursing

6. What penalties can be imposed for a 2nd offense under first-degree offenses in
the Safe Spaces Act? a. P1,000 fine
b. 6-10 days imprisonment
c. P3,000 fine
d. 12-hour community service
Answer: c. P3,000 fine

7. How does the Safe Spaces Act extend protection beyond just women? a. It only
protects women
b. It recognizes that anyone can perpetuate sexual harassment
c. It excludes children from protection
d. It focuses only on men as potential victims
Answer: b. It recognizes that anyone can perpetuate sexual harassment

8. What is the role of Local Government Units (LGUs) in enforcing the Safe Spaces
Act? a. Advisory role only
b. No specific role assigned
c. Primary responsibility
d. Supporting role
Answer: c. Primary responsibility

9. Which government body is responsible for handling complaints related to

gender-based online sexual harassment? a. Metro Manila Development Authority
(MMDA)
b. Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT)
c. Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)
d. Philippine Commission for Women (PCW)
Answer: b. Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT)

9. What does the Safe Spaces Act recognize regarding sexual harassment in
educational and training institutions? a. Only superiors can be perpetrators
b. Only students can be victims
c. It can be committed between peers or by a subordinate to a superior
d. It is limited to physical spaces only
Answer: c. It can be committed between peers or by a subordinate to a superior

10. Which term refers to the fear, hatred, discomfort, or mistrust of people who
are lesbian, gay, or bisexual? a. Misogyny
b. Transphobia
c. Homophobia
d. Sexism
Answer: c. Homophobia
11. What is the primary focus of the Safe Spaces Act with regards to public spaces?
a. Regulating public behavior
b. Ensuring privacy in public spaces
c. Addressing gender-based sexual harassment
d. Controlling public transportation
Answer: c. Addressing gender-based sexual harassment

12. What is the primary focus of the Safe Spaces Act with regards to online
platforms? a. Monitoring online activities
b. Promoting freedom of expression
c. Preventing cyberbullying
d. Addressing gender-based online sexual harassment
Answer: d. Addressing gender-based online sexual harassment

13. What duty does the Safe Spaces Act impose on employers and heads of
schools and training institutions? a. Strict monitoring of employees
b. Ensuring a sense of personal space and public safety
c. Exclusion from addressing sexual harassment complaints
d. Ignoring complaints against subordinates
Answer: b. Ensuring a sense of personal space and public safety

15. Which body is responsible for developing an online mechanism for reporting
real-time gender-based online sexual harassment? a. Cybercrime Investigation and
Coordinating Center of the DICT
b. Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA)
c. Philippine Commission for Women (PCW)
d. Women and Children’s Protection Desk of the PNP
Answer: a. Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center of the DICT

16. What is the primary responsibility of the Women and Children’s Protection
Desk of the PNP? a. Enforcing traffic regulations
b. Handling gender-based online sexual harassment complaints
c. Coordinating anti-drug campaigns
d. Ensuring workplace safety
Answer: b. Handling gender-based online sexual harassment complaints

14. What duty does the Safe Spaces Act impose on Local Government Units (LGUs)
in preventing gender-based sexual harassment in educational institutions? a.
Provide information campaigns
b. Enforce strict discipline
c. Promote gender-based discrimination
d. Disregard complaints
Answer: a. Provide information campaigns

15. Which term refers to a derogatory term used to refer to members of a given
gender, sex, or sexual orientation? a. Misogyny
b. Sexism
c. Homophobia
d. Sexist slur
Answer: d. Sexist slur

16. What is the primary impact the Safe Spaces Act aims to achieve in public
spaces and online platforms? a. Promoting offensive behavior
b. Ensuring freedom of expression
c. Personal space and public safety
d. Reducing workplace hierarchy
Answer: c. Personal space and public safety

17. What does the Safe Spaces Act recognize about the perpetuation and victims
of sexual harassment? a. Only women can be perpetrators
b. Only men can be victims
c. Anyone can perpetuate sexual harassment, and anyone can be a victim
d. It is limited to workplace settings only
Answer: c. Anyone can perpetuate sexual harassment, and anyone can be a victim

18. Which term is defined as "rude sexual remarks made by men to women
passing by"? a. Misogyny
b. Catcalling
c. Transphobia
d. Homophobia
Answer: b. Catcalling

19. What is the two-note whistled sound made to show interest, especially to a
person viewed as physically or sexually attractive? a. Exhibitionism
b. Wolf-whistling
c. Leering
d. Taunting
Answer: b. Wolf-whistling
23. What term refers to looking or gazing in a lascivious or unpleasant way? a.
Groping
b. Leering
c. Taunting
d. Exhibitionism
Answer: b. Leering

20. What does "taunting" refer to in the context of streets and public spaces? a. A
battle cry in the streets
b. Sarcastic remarks to demoralize
c. A friendly gesture to encourage
d. A form of greeting in public spaces
Answer: b. Sarcastic remarks to demoralize

25. What is the Safe Spaces Act's definition of "gender-based streets and public
spaces sexual harassment"? a. Friendly interactions between individuals
b. Unwanted and uninvited sexual actions/advances/remarks
c. Compliments on appearance in public spaces
d. Physical contact in public transportation
Answer: b. Unwanted and uninvited sexual actions/advances/remarks

26. What is NOT mentioned as a prohibited act under the Safe Spaces Act? a.
Relentless requests for personal details
b. Invasion of privacy through cyberstalking
c. Persistent telling of sexual jokes
d. Offering respectful compliments
Answer: d. Offering respectful compliments

27. What is the primary penalty for persistent telling of sexual jokes under the
Safe Spaces Act? a. P1,000 fine and 12-hour community service
b. P3,000 fine/6-10 days imprisonment
c. P10,000-6 months and 11-30 days imprisonment
d. P15,000-fine/11-30 days imprisonment
Answer: b. P3,000 fine/6-10 days imprisonment

28. What is the primary focus of the Safe Spaces Act on public spaces? a.
Controlling public behavior
b. Ensuring privacy in public spaces
c. Addressing gender-based sexual harassment
d. Regulating public transportation
Answer: c. Addressing gender-based sexual harassment

29. Which term refers to the unauthorized recording and sharing of any victim’s
photos, videos, or information online? a. Impersonation
b. Invasion of privacy
c. Cyberstalking
d. Exhibitionism
Answer: b. Invasion of privacy

30. What duty does the Safe Spaces Act impose on Local Government Units (LGUs)
regarding the prevention of gender-based sexual harassment in educational
institutions? a. Strict monitoring of students
b. Enforcing strict discipline only
c. Promoting gender-based discrimination
d. Provide information campaigns
Answer: d. Provide information campaigns

31. What is the term for hatred of women? a. Misogyny

b. Sexism
c. Transphobia
d. Homophobia
Answer: a. Misogyny

32. What term refers to having or showing a dislike or prejudice against

transsexual or transgender people? a. Misogyny
b. Transphobia
c. Homophobia
d. Sexism
Answer: b. Transphobia

33. What is the term for the fear, hatred, discomfort, or mistrust of people who
are lesbian, gay, or bisexual? a. Misogyny
b. Sexism
c. Homophobia
d. Transphobia
Answer: c. Homophobia

34. What is the primary impact the Safe Spaces Act aims to achieve in public
spaces and online platforms? a. Promoting offensive behavior
b. Ensuring freedom of expression
c. Personal space and public safety
d. Reducing workplace hierarchy
Answer: c. Personal space and public safety

35. What does the Safe Spaces Act recognize about the perpetuation and victims
of sexual harassment? a. Only women can be perpetrators
b. Only men can be victims
c. Anyone can perpetuate sexual harassment, and anyone can be a victim
d. It is limited to workplace settings only
Answer: c. Anyone can perpetuate sexual harassment, and anyone can be a victim

36. What term is defined as "rude sexual remarks made by men to women passing
by"? a. Misogyny
b. Catcalling
c. Transphobia
d. Homophobia
Answer: b. Catcalling

37. What is the two-note whistled sound made to show interest, especially to a
person viewed as physically or sexually attractive? a. Exhibitionism
b. Wolf-whistling
c. Leering
d. Taunting
Answer: b. Wolf-whistling

38. What term refers to looking or gazing in a lascivious or unpleasant way? a.

Groping
b. Leering
c. Taunting
d. Exhibitionism
Answer: b. Leering

39. What does "taunting" refer to in the context of streets and public spaces? a. A
battle cry in the streets
b. Sarcastic remarks to demoralize
c. A friendly gesture to encourage
d. A form of greeting in public spaces
Answer: b. Sarcastic remarks to demoralize
40. What is the Safe Spaces Act's definition of "gender-based streets and public
spaces sexual harassment"? a. Friendly interactions between individuals
b. Unwanted and uninvited sexual actions/advances/remarks
c. Compliments on appearance in public spaces
d. Physical contact in public transportation
Answer: b. Unwanted and uninvited sexual actions/advances/remarks