Sexual harassment victims told to sue

Victims of sexual harassment should exercise their right to speak up and file a formal complaint against their offenders to deter such offense in the future.

This was what Isabelita P. Ganub, executive director of the Cebu City Women's and Family Affairs Commission, said during a consultation with women from the media industry yesterday.

Sexual harassment committed by male superiors against their female subordinates topped among the gender issues being raised during the consultation, which was attended by several lady reporters and executives in the media.

The consultation was part of the efforts to create the Cebu City Women's Council that will tackle and address issues on women.

A classic example cited during the event was that sexual harassment would usually occur during internship of mass communication students in radio, television and newspaper. In order for them to get good grades, some editors or producers would usually ask for sexual favors or a date.

Another issue being raised was when a male superior, in the guise of fatherly love, touches or kisses a female subordinate, who actually felt offended by such sexual advances. As a result, the victim would normally keep silent or resign.

"If you are a victim, you should not keep your silence. We have a law against these sexual harassers. If you resign from your work, chances are the offender will also victimize the one coming in," says Portia Dacalos, a guidance counselor of the University of the Philippines.

Republic Act 7877, otherwise known as the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995, cited that sexual harassment is committed in an employment environment when: the sexual favor is made as a condition for employment; re-employment or continued employment of individual would result in an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment for the employee; or when the sexual favor is made as condition to give passing grade, among others.

Dacalos, the moderator during the consultation, said aside from the administrative complaint directed against the offender, the victims could file a separate and independent action for damages.

Those who violate the law will face imprisonment for a month to six months, or a fine from P10,000 to P20,000, or both at the discretion of the court. - Mitchelle P. Calipayan