P2,500 FINE AND/OR JAIL TERM

THE municipal council in the capital town of Lingayen passed the ‘Bawal Bastos Ordinance” that bans gender-based sexual harassment in public places, social media, work or offices, schools and training institutions in the town.

Ordinance No. 109, S-2022 titled “An ordinance prohibiting gender-based sexual harassment in streets and public spaces in the municipality of Lingayen, province of Pangasinan, providing guidelines in the implementation thereof and prescribing penalties for violations” was authored by Councilor Rasel Cuaresma.

Cuaresma said it applies to the general public but more specifically to women who are prone to experiencing harassment, a report from the Lingayen Information Office said.

Included in the “Bawal Bastos Ordinance” are catcalling, wolf whistling, sexist, homophobic and transphobic remarks or calling someone as gay or lesbian, verbal or physical sexual advances and other kinds of harassment, persistent telling of sexual jokes, use of sexual names; and even stalking.

It also bans public masturbation or flashing of private parts, groping, or making offensive body gestures at someone and other similar lewd sexual actions.

Also, any advances, whether verbal or physical, that is unwanted and has threatened one’s sense of personal space and physical safety, which may include cursing, leering, or looking with a sideways or oblique glance, which suggests lascivious interest or sly and malicious intention intrusive gazing, or taunting are prohibited.

Violators shall be fined for first offense: Fine of ₱2,500 and monthly reporting to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office for counseling; Second Offense: fine of ₱2,500 or imprisonment from six to 10 days upon discretion of the court; and, Third Offense: ₱2,500 and imprisonment from 11 to 30 days upon discretion of the court.  (Eva Visperas)

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