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Catcalling And Wolf-whistling Can Land You In Jail

A tepid cup of coffee and news just blend well. Whenever there's bad news, the kick I get from caffeine just calms my senses. I was browsing through some interesting online news on a typical Wednesday and one headline caught my eye "Senator files bill penalizing wolf-whistling and catcalling". People who are out on the streets are sometimes infested by fear and paranoia especially the female of the species and the members of the LGBTQ community. Catcalling and wolf-whistling have been a form of entertainment for bystanders. Women have been enveloped by fear because of catcallers on the streets. 

While there is an existing law against sexual harassment, Sen. Risa Hontiveros filed the Safe Streets and Public Spaces Act of 2017 to ensure women and LGBTQ community can walk the streets without feeling unsafe and violated. 

The penalties that will be imposed will depend on the seriousness of the violation.

This bill, if enacted into a law will be in conjunction with Republic Act 7877 or the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995.

SECTION 3. Work, Education or Training -Related, Sexual Harassment Defined. - Work, education or  training-related sexual harassment is committed by an employer, employee, manager, supervisor, agent of the employer, teacher, instructor, professor, coach, trainor, or any other  person who, having authority, influence or moral ascendancy  over another in a work or training or education environment, demands, requests or otherwise requires any sexual favor  from the other, regardless of whether the demand, request or  requirement for submission is accepted by the object of said Act.

      (a) In a work-related or employment environment, sexual  harassment is committed when:

                  (1) The sexual favor is made as a condition in the hiring or  in the employment, re-employment or continued employment  of said individual, or in granting said individual favorable compensation, terms of conditions, promotions, or privileges;  or the refusal to grant the sexual favor results in limiting, segregating or classifying the employee which in any way  would discriminate, deprive ordiminish employment opportunities or otherwise adversely affect said employee;         

                  (2) The above acts would impair the employee's rights or  privileges under existing labor laws; or            

                  (3) The above acts would result in an intimidating, hostile,  or offensive environment for the employee.

       (b) In an education or training environment, sexual harassment is committed:      

                (1) Against one who is under the care, custody or supervision of the offender;  

                (2) Against one whose education, training, apprenticeship  or tutorship is entrusted to the offender;    

                (3) When the sexual favor is made a condition to the giving  of a passing grade, or the granting of honors and scholarships,  or the payment of a stipend, allowance or other benefits,  privileges, or consideration; or           

                (4) When the sexual advances result in an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment for the student, trainee or  apprentice.

Any person who directs or induces another to commit any  act of sexual harassment as herein defined, or who cooperates  in the commission thereof by another without which it would  not have been committed, shall also be held liable under this  Act.

Pinoy Attorney

Written by : Pinoy Attorney

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