Gender-Based Sexual Harassment still continues to be prevalent in the streets and establishments in the city today.  We know too well the realities of sexual harassment. We have heard stories from other people or our own friends and some of us may have even experienced it firsthand. For instance, women are still not comfortable enough to walk alone at night for the fear of being stalked. The LGBTQI+ community is also prone to unwarranted gazing and comments like “Diri ka man tinuod nga babayi o lalaki. Hain man it im sili?” Even men have experienced some form of sexual harassment. In addition, different social media platforms are also being polluted with acts like uploading and sharing sensitive and sexual photos and videos of people who did not consent to it; posting sexist remarks, etc.

We call for the local implementation of R.A. No. 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act in Tacloban City.

On April 17, 2019, the Safe Spaces Act was signed into law. The law punishes gender-based sexual harassment in the streets, public spaces, online, workplace, and educational institutions. Article I Section 8 of the law states that it is the duty of LGUs to pass an ordinance localizing the applicability of the act within sixty days of its effectivity. With this, we are calling on the Tacloban City LGU to be one with our advocacy in preventing gender-based sexual harassment by enacting an ordinance in furtherance of the Safe Spaces Act. 

Why need an ordinance?

The ordinance will enforce the spirit and the aim of the law. The LGU plays an important part in the implementation of the law. Not only is it mandated by law, it is also a way for the city’s officials to support the fight against gender-based sexual harassment. The ordinance must especially focus on Gender-Based Streets and Public Spaces Sexual Harassment, as required by the law. The ordinance must provide measures that will prevent and respond to the occurrence of Gender-Based Sexual Harassment.

Through this ordinance and other preventive measures the city may pass in the future, more people will become aware of the initiative to build safe spaces for everyone and more people will cooperate to protect one another. This doesn’t automatically stop sexism, homophobia, or transphobia, but it is the first step to preventing any more gender-based sexual harassment from happening.

What can you do? 

LAYA will be sending a petition letter encouraging the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Tacloban City to act urgently upon this matter and pass an ordinance addressing Gender-Based sexual Harassment. If you wish to support this cause, please sign this petition in order for your name to be included as a signatory. You may also share this petition and encourage other people to become a signatory as well. We believe we can make a stronger statement with all of us working together. You can also join us in our campaign to educate the people on this law by sharing and liking our posts in our Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/LayaPhilippines).

We also encourage everyone to be more responsible with their words and actions. Let’s make our spaces safe, physical or online, free from physical, mental, or emotional harm, and available to everyone – women, men, and LGBTQI+.