Following the recent controversy involving remarks made about Anne Curtis during a House committee hearing, several celebrities and public figures have spoken up.
Photo: Sasun Bughdaryan/Unsplash, Geralt/Pixabay
Jasmine Curtis-Smith was quick to defend her sister on social media, while other personalities and broadcast journalists expressed their reactions online and on air. Public officials also weighed in, calling attention to accountability and respect, especially as the country observes Women’s Month.
As conversations continue, some are revisiting existing laws that address gender-based sexual remarks and behavior in public settings.
One of these is Republic Act No. 11313, better known as the Safe Spaces Act or the Bawal Bastos Law.
Here’s a straightforward guide to what it is—and what it covers.
What is the Safe Spaces Act?
The Safe Spaces Act was signed into law in 2019. It expands earlier sexual harassment legislation in the Philippines and aims to protect individuals from gender-based sexual harassment (GBSH).
The law applies to all people, regardless of sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.
It covers incidents that happen in:
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Public spaces (streets, malls, restaurants, public transportation)
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Workplaces
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Schools and training institutions
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Online spaces
Unlike older laws that mainly focused on harassment within hierarchical relationships (such as boss-employee), this law also addresses interactions between peers and even strangers.
What counts as gender-based sexual harassment?
Under the Safe Spaces Act, gender-based sexual harassment refers to unwanted acts or remarks that are sexual in nature and directed at a person because of their gender.
In public spaces, this may include:
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Catcalling or wolf-whistling
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Sexual jokes directed at a specific person
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Commenting on someone’s body in a sexual way
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Persistent unwanted invitations
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Following or stalking someone
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Sexist, misogynistic, or homophobic slurs
A key element is that the behavior is unwanted and creates discomfort, distress, or a hostile environment.
Context and impact are considered when assessing whether an act falls under the law.
Does it only apply to public streets?
No. The Safe Spaces Act also covers:
Workplaces
Employers are required to:
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Adopt anti-sexual harassment policies
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Establish reporting mechanisms
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Act on complaints
Harassment can occur between co-workers, not only from a superior to a subordinate.
Schools
Educational institutions must also create systems to prevent and address harassment involving students, faculty, and staff.
Online spaces
Digital platforms are included under the law.
This may cover:
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Sending unsolicited sexual messages
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Posting sexual comments about someone
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Sharing private images without consent
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Online stalking or threats
The law recognizes that harmful behavior can take place both offline and online.
What about private thoughts?
The Safe Spaces Act generally addresses expressed actions, remarks, or conduct.
Private thoughts alone are not penalized. However, once statements are publicly communicated in a way that targets or objectifies a person, legal considerations may come into play depending on the circumstances.
Each case is evaluated based on its specific facts and context.
What are the possible penalties?
Penalties vary depending on the severity and frequency of the offense. These may include:
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Fines
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Community service
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Mandatory gender sensitivity seminars
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Imprisonment (for more serious cases)
Public officials and employees may also face administrative sanctions aside from potential criminal liability.
Why does this law matter?
The Safe Spaces Act acknowledges that harassment is not limited to extreme or isolated incidents. It can happen in everyday situations—while commuting, attending meetings, participating in public discussions, or engaging online.
Understanding what the Safe Spaces Act says can help clarify the boundaries set by law and the protections available to individuals in shared spaces.
ALSO READ: Mayor Joy Belmonte Urges Bong Suntay to Apologize for “Inappropriate” Remarks on Anne Curtis
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.
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