Manila: As cases of sexual harassment continue to be reported, Solid North Party-list Rep. Ching Bernos has called on Congress to amend the Safe Spaces Act to impose stiffer penalties against violators. ‘It is unfortunate that in the 30 years that we have had the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act and seven years after we have come up with the Safe Spaces Act, it seems we still have a long way to go,’ Bernos said in a news release on Tuesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, last week, Manila District 4 Councilor Eunice Castro accused a fellow official of acts of sexual harassment. Earlier this year, an officer of the Philippine National Police Academy was also accused of alleged sexual harassment of a cadet, while a high-ranking military official also reportedly sexually harassed two junior officers.

Under Bernos’ House Bill No. 3118, higher penalties for gender-based sexual harassment in educational and training institutions and workplaces will be imposed. The measure seeks to impose six years imprisonment, or a fine of not less than PHP250,000 but not more than PHP500,000, or both, for persons found guilty of gender-based sexual harassment in the workplace and in educational and training institutions.

Perpetrators who are heads of the workplace or organization would also have their appointments revoked upon conviction; while aliens who commit gender-based sexual harassment in the workplace shall be deported after serving a sentence and/or paying a fine. Meanwhile, public officials and employees who are found guilty of fomenting, promoting or exhorting sexual harassment, misogynistic, transphobic, homophobic, and sexist slurs either verbally, in writing or on social media shall also be penalized.

For the first offense, a fine of PHP100,000 to 200,000; mandatory suspension from public office or employment for a period of not less than six months without pay; and mandatory completion of a gender-sensitivity and anti-harassment training program certified by an accredited institution. A repeat offense shall be punished with a fine of PHP200,000 to PHP300,000; mandatory dismissal from office and disqualification from holding any public position (elective or appointive) for a period of not less than five years; permanent record of the offense on public service credentials; and prohibition from receiving benefits tied to the office.

Offenders shall also be required to issue a public apology to the victims and the general public, acknowledging the misconduct and reaffirming a commitment to upholding the Safe Spaces Act principles.