FOR PRESENTATION PURPOSES ONLY

1. Laila Dunque Bernal-Plasabas
Teacher 1 – BES
SAFE SPACE ACT
(RA 11313)

2. A landmark Philippine law enacted to address gender-based street and public spaces
harassment.
It aims to create safer environments for everyone by penalizing various forms of
harassment and violence in public spaces.
Safe Spaces Act, also known as Bawal Bastos Law, is a Philippine law that
addresses gender-based sexual harassment, both online and offline, in public spaces.
It recognizes the importance of promoting safety and respect for all individuals,
regardless of their gender.
What is the Safe Spaces Act?

3. What does gender-based sexual harassment mean?
Gender-based sexual harassment, as defined in the law, includes unwanted
sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or any other verbal or physical
conduct of a sexual nature.
It also covers acts that ridicule or insult a person’s sexuality or gender identity,
creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.

4. Who does Safe Spaces Act protect?
It protects everyone, regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation,
or gender identity, from gender-based sexual harassment.
It recognizes that anyone can be a victim and emphasizes the
importance of equal protection under the law.

5. Where does it apply?
It applies in both physical and online public spaces.
This includes streets, schools, workplaces, transportation hubs, and
social media platforms.
Essentially, it covers any location or platform where people interact.

6. Is an act still considered as gender-based sexual harassment if the
perpetrator says they did not mean it?
Yes, an act is considered gender-based sexual
harassment regardless of the perpetrator’s
motive.

7. Are minors still liable if they commit gender-based sexual harassment?
Yes, minors are still liable for committing gender-based
sexual harassment. They will be given disciplinary
measures by DSWD under RA 9344, or the Juvenile Justice
and Welfare Act of 2006.

8. What can you do if you see someone committing
gender-based sexual harassment?
You can conduct a citizen’s arrest without a warrant if you know the facts of the
situation and if the perpetrator has committed, is committing, or is attempting to
commit gender-based sexual harassment.
You can also report the incident to the nearest security guard or police officer,
who can apprehend perpetrators in flagrante delicto, or caught in the act.

9. What are the responsibilities of establishments under the Safe Spaces Act?
Establishments such as schools, offices, and transportation facilities are
required to adopt measures to prevent and address gender-based sexual
harassment.
They must have clear policies, mechanisms for reporting incidents, and
provide awareness programs to educate their employees and clients.

10. What are the penalties for its violations?
A6: Penalties for violating RA 11313 include fines and
imprisonment, depending on the gravity of the offense.
Perpetrators may face penalties ranging from fines of
P1,000 to P500,000 and imprisonment from one
month to six years.

11. Acts such as wolf-whistling, cat-calling, leering or ogling,
intrusive gazing, unwanted invitations, insulting words directed
against the sex or gender of another;
persistent and uninvited comments and gestures about a
person’s appearance, repeated request to get ones personal
details, persistent sexual jokes, and any statement that
invades a persons personal space or threatens their sense of
personal safety are punished by a fine of P1,000, and 12
hours of community service for the first offense, to a fine of
P10,000 and imprisonment of 11 to 30 days for the third
offense.
EXAMPLES of ACTS

12. Acts such as making offensive body gestures,
exhibitionism, public masturbation, groping
and other similar acts are punished by a fine
of P10,000 and 12 hours of community service
for the first offense, up to a fine of P20,000
and imprisonment of 1 month and 1 day to 6
months for the third offense.
EXAMPLES of ACTS

13. Acts such as stalking; as well as previously
mentioned acts, when accompanied by
pinching, touching or brushing against the body
of the victim; or any touching of the private
parts of the victim is punished by a fine of
P30,000 and imprisonment of 11 to 30 days for
the first offense, up to a fine of P100,000 and
imprisonment of six months.
EXAMPLES of ACTS

14. Conclusive Statement:
The Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313) is a significant step toward creating safer and more
respectful public spaces in the Philippines. It is essential to be aware of its provisions
and support its objectives to combat gender-based sexual harassment and promote
gender equality. By working together, we can create a society where everyone feels safe
and respected.