Developments on 'Bawal Bastos' law

The Commission on Human Rights lauds the passage of the Safe Streets, Public Spaces and Workplace Act also known as the "Bawal Bastos" law.

"Women and members of the LGBTQIA+ community have long been at the receiving end of catcalling, wolf-whistling, and obscene remarks in public spaces. While there are cities in the Philippines, such as Manila and Quezon City, that passed local ordinances punishing such acts, a national legislation further strengthens the commitment to curb gender-based sexual harassment in streets, schools, workplaces, and other similar places," CHR spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia says in a statement.

"The greater challenge to us all is to work on a society that is free from discrimination, a community safe to express one's self, and a country with respect to everyone's rights and dignity," she adds.

The proposed measure lapsed into law as the president did not act on the transmitted draft of the bill within 30 days from receipt.

Tune in for updates on the law against cat-calling and wolf-whistling.