4PS PARTY-LIST Representative JC Abalos filed a measure that aims to penalize gender-based sexual harassment in education and training institutions.

Abalos said House Bill 7537 is a crucial step toward protecting individuals from gender-based violence and harassment. It also aims to amend Republic Act 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act.

The law has provided a framework for addressing gender-based street harassment and online sexual harassment, which have been prevalent issues in the country.

Abalos noted that based on a 2020 study conducted by the Philippine Commission on Women, around 33 percent of female students and 10 percent of male students in higher education institutions experienced sexual harassment.

The study also identified verbal harassment, unwanted physical contact and sexual jokes or gestures as the most common forms of sexual harassment.

The lawmaker stressed the need to reevaluate the existing penalties and consider putting in place penalties that better reflect the severity of the offense that shall deter potential offenders.

“By doing so, the Philippines can ensure that its laws regarding sexual harassment remain up-to-date and effective in protecting individuals from gender-based violence and harassment in the workplace and educational settings,” Abalos said in his explanatory note.

He added that this will also encourage individuals to report incidents of harassment and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.