MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) yesterday launched the “Bawal Bastos” campaign to prevent sexual harassment in public transport.
LTFRB technical division chief Joel Bolano as well as Gender and Development assistant focal point Rowena Dirain led the posting of anti-sexual harassment stickers at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange.
According to the LTFRB, the program is part of the agency’s campaign against all forms of sexual harassment in public utility buses, jeepneys and taxis.
The LTFRB said victims of sexual harassment may call the 24-hour hotline 1342 or e-mail complaints@ltfrb.gov.ph.
Bolano said the campaign aims to remind the public that fines would be imposed on violators of Republic Act 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act and Memorandum Circular No. 2023-016.
Former president Rodrigo Duterte signed the Bawal Bastos Law in April 2019.
Drivers, conductors and other transport employees who violate the law will be fined up to P5,000. Their transport franchise will also be suspended for six months.
The law also provides that commuters who harass other passengers will also be fined.
Under the law, actions or deeds considered as gender-based harassment in public spaces are defined as unwanted and uninvited sexual actions or remarks against any person, regardless of motives.
These acts include catcalling, wolf-whistling, unwanted invitations, misogynistic, transphobic, homophobic as well as sexist slurs, persistent uninvited comments or gestures on a person’s appearance, relentless requests for personal details, statement of sexual comments, public masturbation or flashing of private parts, groping or any unwanted advances. — Nillicent Bautista