CHR lauds Senate Bill expanding Safe Spaces Act protections

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has praised Senate Bill No. 2897 for expanding and strengthening protections under the Safe Spaces Act.

SB 2897 aims to cover additional locations, including rural settings like farms, fields, coastal areas, and multi-purpose halls, beyond what is currently protected by Republic Act No. 11313.

The bill introduces new legal definitions such as grooming, a predatory act aimed at establishing trust with children for sexual abuse or exploitation.

Section 21-A of SB 2897 criminalizes any unwelcome, unreasonable, and offensive sexually inappropriate conduct in educational and training institutions, including verbal, physical, and technology-facilitated harassment.

The CHR emphasizes that these amendments recognize the evolving nature of gender-based harassment, particularly online through digital communication platforms and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.

Legislators like Senators Risa Hontiveros and Cynthia Villar are commended for their efforts to foster a culture of respect and protection against discrimination and violence.

CHR highlights that victims now have the right to seek protection orders under the proposed changes, ensuring all spaces remain safe and inclusive for everyone.