The Provincial Government of Cavite (PGC) took a significant step towards ensuring safety against all forms of gender-based sexual harassment committed in public spaces, educational or training institutions, workplace, as well as online space, as it hosted a landmark seminar on Republic Act 11313 or the Bawal Bastos Law, for PGC employees. Spearheaded by the Office of the Office of the Provincial Legal Office, the event held at the Ceremonial Hall on September 21, 2023, brought together employees to discuss and promote the vital provisions of this groundbreaking legislation.
The seminar featured a panel of distinguished speakers, each with a deep understanding of Safe Spaces Act and its implications for creating a safer and more respectful environment for all PGC employees.
The roster of speakers included Atty. Annaliza P. Mercene-Pulmones, Provincial Legal Officer who discussed the ‘’Sexual Harassment and Safe Spaces Act in Relation to Civil Service Rules’’; Atty. Brian Mey R. Tomas, Executive Assistant V Office of the Provincial Governor who delved into the topic of ‘’Gender-based online sexual harassment’’; Atty. Reynaldo Angelito R. Cortes, Attorney III who addressed concerns within ‘’Gender-based Streets and Public Spaces Sexual Harassment and Qualified Gender-based streets, Public Spaces and online Sexual Harassment’’; Atty. Allana Marie P. Bawalan, Attorney III who enlightened the PGC employees about ‘’Gender-based sexual harassment in the workplace’’; and, Atty. Bianca Mari B. Herrera, Attorney IV, offered her knowledge on ‘’Gender-based sexual harassment in educational and training institutions’’. Together, these legal luminaries bring a wealth of expertise and experience to the discussions, reflecting the diversity and complexity of the issues at hand.
Atty. Pulmoses who is also the head of the Committee on Decorum and Investigation (CODI), likewise, shared the punishable offenses which lead to dismissal from service.
The seminar also reiterated the duties of the employers and co-workers to provide measures to prevent gender-based sexual harassments and the CODI to act on cases of GBHS.
