House panel OKs stiffer penalties for school, gov't sexual harassment

The House committee on women and gender equality approved bills seeking to impose stiffer penalties for sexual harassers in schools and government on Wednesday, November 13.

Despite the Safe Spaces Act (Republic Act 11313) being in place since 2019, sexual harassment remains prevalent with a culture of victim-blaming and shaming.

Committee chairperson Geraldine Roman emphasized that first-time offenders will face fines from P50,000 to P100,000, mandatory suspension without pay for at least six months, and completion of gender-sensitivity training.

The committee also accepted an amendment proposing maximum fines of up to P500,000 and a prison sentence of up to six years for those found guilty of sexual abuse, as well as public officials facing a fine of up to P100,000 and a six-month suspension in office.

Repeat offenders could be fined up to P200,000, dismissed from office, disqualified from holding public office for five years, and required to issue a public apology.