ABRA Rep. Ching Bernos filed a measure that will provide higher penalties for gender-based sexual harassment in educational and training institutions.

House Bill 6971 aims to amend Republic Act 11313 or The Safe Spaces Act which expanded the definition of sexual harassment perpetrated in Educational and Traning Institutions.

The law also broadens the coverage of sexual harassment committee in the work place to include those committed by peers, subordinates, students and trainees.

“However, the imposable penalty available for Gender-Based Sexual Harassment in Educational and Training Institutions and Workplaces found in the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act and Safe Spaces Act have an insignificant amount,” Bernos said.

The measure seeks to insert another section in the law providing for the penalties for Gender-Based Sexual Harassment.

Under the bill, any person found guilty of any gender-based sexual harassment shall be penalized with six months to six years of imprisonment and penalty ranging from P250,000 up to P500,000.