Republic of the Philippines

House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 2013

Introduced by MA. RENE ANN LOURDES G. MATIBAG

AN ACT
DEFINING ELECTRONIC VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND
THEIR CHILDREN, PROVIDING PROTECTIVE MEASURES,
AND PRESCRIBING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF,
AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9262,
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE “ANTI-VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN
AND THEIR CHILDREN ACT OF 2004”

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The rapid advancement of technology and the proliferation of digital
platforms have transformed the way individuals interact, communicate, and share
information. While these developments have brought about numerous benefits, they
have also created new avenues for abuse, particularly against women and their
children. Existing laws, such as Republic Act No. 9262 or the "Anti-Violence
Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004," primarily address traditional
forms of violence and do not adequately cover acts of violence perpetrated through
electronic means.

Recent years have seen a significant increase in cases of electronic or ICT-
related violence, including cyber harassment, online stalking, non-consensual
sharing of intimate images, identity theft, and other forms of digital abuse. These
acts inflict severe psychological, emotional, and even physical harm on victims,
often with long-lasting consequences. The anonymity and borderless nature of the
internet further complicate the pursuit of justice and protection for victims

This bill seeks to address these gaps by amending Republic Act No. 9262 to
explicitly define, prohibit, and penalize electronic violence against women and their
children (E-VAWC). It introduces comprehensive definitions of electronic and ICT-
related violence, enumerates specific acts constituting such offenses, and prescribes

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appropriate penalties. The bill also strengthens protective measures, including the
issuance of protection orders that mandate the immediate removal or blocking of
harmful online content, and imposes duties on internet service providers to cooperate
with law enforcement.

Furthermore, the bill enhances support mechanisms for victim-survivors,
such as expanded leave benefits, confidentiality programs, and access to legal,
medical, and psychosocial services, especially for women migrant workers and their
children. It also broadens the mandate and composition of the Inter-Agency Council
on Violence Against Women and Their Children to include agencies relevant to ICT
and digital safety

By enacting the Expanded Anti-Violence Against Women and Their
Children (E-VAWC) Act, the State reaffirms its commitment to protecting the rights
and welfare of women and children in all spheres, including the digital realm. This
measure aims to ensure that perpetrators of electronic violence are held accountable,
victims are provided with adequate remedies and support, and society is better
equipped to prevent and address all forms of violence against women and their
children.

This bill was already approved on Third Reading during the 19% Congress,
thus, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

ONRDES G. MATIBAG



a 3
Se

Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives

Quezon City, Metro Manila

Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

2013

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by MA. RENE ANN LOURDES G. MATIBAG

AN ACT
DEFINING ELECTRONIC VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND
THEIR CHILDREN, PROVIDING PROTECTIVE MEASURES,
AND PRESCRIBING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF,
AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9262,
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE “ANTI-VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN
AND THEIR CHILDREN ACT OF 2004”

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Expanded Anti-
Violence Against Women and Their Children (E-VAWC) Act.”
SEC. 2. Section 3 of Republic Act No. 9262 is amended to read as follows:
“SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. — As used in this Act,
(a) xxx
“A.XXX
“B.Xxx
“C. “Psychological violence” refers to acts or omissions
THAT MAY BE COMMITTED THROUGH PHYSICAL,

VERBAL, EMOTIONAL, ELECTRONIC OR


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INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS
TECHNOLOGY (ICT) DEVICES OR OTHER MEANS
causing or likely to cause mental or emotional suffering of [the-
victim] A WOMAN AND/OR HER CHILDREN, such as
[but net-timited te} intimidation, harassment, stalking, damage
to property, public ridicule or humiliation, [repeated] verbal
abuse and marital infidelity. It includes THE ACT OF causing
or [aHowing-the-vietim] COERCING A WOMAN AND/OR
HER CHILDREN to witness the physical, sexual or
psychological abuse of a member of the family to which the
[vietis belongs] WOMAN AND/OR HER CHILDREN
BELONG or to witness pornography in any form or to witness
abusive injury to pets or to unlawful or unwanted deprivation of
the right to custody [and/or] OR visitation of common children.

“D.xxx

“E, “ELECTRONIC OR __ICT-RELATED
VIOLENCE” REFERS TO ANY ACT OR OMISSION
INVOLVING THE USE OR EXPLOITATION OF DATA
OR ANY FORM OF ICT WHICH CAUSES OR IS
LIKELY TO CAUSE MENTAL, EMOTIONAL, OR
PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS OR SUFFERING TO
THE WOMAN AND/OR HER CHILDREN, INCLUDING

THE FOLLOWING:

“(1) RECORDING, REPRODUCTION,
DISTRIBUTION, USE, SHARING OR

UPLOADING OF ANY PHOTOGRAPH, VIDEO,
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OR OTHER FORMS OF ELECTRONIC OR
ARTISTIC PRESENTATION SHOWING OR
DEPICTING IN ANY FORM OR MANNER THE
GENITALIA OF A WOMAN OR THOSE OF HER
CHILDREN’S GENITALIA, PUBIC AREA,
BUTTOCKS, BREASTS, EXCRETORY BODY
PART OR FUNCTION, NUDITY, SCENES WITH
SEXUAL CONTEXT OR PORTRAYAL OF
SEXUAL CONDUCT SUCH AS SEXUAL
INTERCOURSE, MASTURBATION, KISSING,
CARESSING, HUGGING, AND PETTING;

“(2) RECORDING, REPRODUCTION,
DISTRIBUTION, USE, SHARING OR
UPLOADING OF ANY PHOTOGRAPH, VIDEO,
OR ANY OTHER FORM OF ELECTRONIC OR
ARTISTIC PRESENTATION EXHIBITING ANY
SEXUALLY-RELATED VERBAL OR
NONVERBAL EXPRESSION OR GESTURE OF
THE WOMAN AND/OR HER CHILDREN
WHICH MAY BE CONSTRUED AS LEWD,
INDECENT, OR OBSCENE;

“(3) RECORDING, REPRODUCTION,
DISTRIBUTION, USE, SHARING OR
UPLOADING OF ANY PHOTOGRAPH, VIDEO,
OR ANY OTHER FORM OF ELECTRONIC OR

ARTISTIC PRESENTATION DEPICTING ANY
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PURPORTED VIOLENT OR  ERRANT
BEHAVIOUR OF THE WOMAN AND/OR HER
CHILDREN, OR THE USE OF INTOXICATING
OR PROHIBITED SUBSTANCES OR DRUGS;

“@) ANY SIMILAR RECORDING,
REPRODUCTION, DISTRIBUTION, _USE,
SHARING OR UPLOADING OF ANY AUDIO
PRESENTATION AND DATA, INCLUDING
SOUND CLIPS OF THE SAME NATURE AS
THOSE ENUMERATED IN PARAGRAPH (a) E. 1-
3 OF THIS SECTION;

“(§) USE OF A PHOTOGRAPH, VIDEO,
VOICE RECORDING, NAME OR ANY MARK,
REFERENCE OR CHARACTER IDENTIFIABLE
WITH A WOMAN AND/OR HER CHILDREN
AND SUGGESTIVE OF A WRONGDOING,
CONDUCT OR ATTRIBUTE THAT TENDS TO
BESMIRCH THE REPUTATION OF THE
WOMAN AND/OR HER CHILDREN;

“(6) HARASSING, —_ INTIMIDATING,
COERCING, THREATENING OR VILLIFYING
THE WOMAN AND/OR HER CHILDREN
THROUGH TEXT MESSAGING OR OTHER
CYBER, ELECTRONIC, OR MULTIMEDIA

TECHNOLOGY;


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“(7) STALKING, INCLUDING THE
HACKING OF PERSONAL ACCOUNTS ON
SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES AND THE USE

OF LOCATION DATA FROM ELECTRONIC

“(8) FABRICATION OF FAKE
INFORMATION OR NEWS THROUGH TEXT
MESSAGING OR OTHER CYBER,
ELECTRONIC, OR MULTIMEDIA
TECHNOLOGY; AND

“9) CREATION OF FAKE SOCIAL
MEDIA ACCOUNTS USING AN ALIAS OR A
DIFFERENT INDIVIDUAL’S PERSONAL
INFORMATION RESULTING IN HARM TO THE
WOMAN AND/OR HER CHILDREN’S

REPUTATION.”

SEC. 3. Section 5 of the same Act is amended to read as follows:

“SEC. 5. Acts of Violence Against Women and Their Children. — x x

“(a)xxx
“(b) xxx
“(xxx
“(@)xxx
(©) XXX

“XXX


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“(g) xxx
“(h) xxx

“(xxx

“Q)xxx

“@Q)xxx

“(4) Destroying the property and personal belongings or
inflicting harm to animals or pets of the woman [er] AND/OR
her [ehild-and] CHILDREN;

(5) xxx

“(6) RECORDING, REPRODUCING OR
DISTRIBUTION OF VIDEOS WHICH SHOW THE
WOMAN AND/OR HER CHILDREN NAKED OR IN
UNDERGARMENT-CLAD GENITALS, PUBIC AREA,
BUTTOCKS OR BREASTS;

“(1) SHARING ANY MEDIA THAT CONTAINS
PICTURES, VOICE RECORDING OR VIDEO OF THE
WOMAN AND/OR HER CHILDREN WHICH MAYBE
CONSTRUED AS LEWD, INDECENT OR OF SEXUAL
CONTENT; AND

“(8) USING THE PICTURES, VIDEO, VOICE
NAME OR ANY OTHER ASPECT OF THE IDENTITY
OF A WOMAN AND/OR HER CHILDREN FOR
MALICIOUS PURPOSES INCLUDING
PORNOGRAPHY, OTHER SEXUALLY-RELATED

CRIMES, AND VIOLATIONS UNDER REPUBLIC ACT


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NO. 10175, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE

“CYBERCRIME PREVENTION ACT OF 2012.”

“(xxx

“(@) INFLICTING OR COMMITTING ELECTRONIC
OR ICT-RELATED VIOLENCE AGAINST A WOMAN
AND/OR HER CHILDREN; AND

“(K) THREATENING TO CAUSE ELECTRONIC OR
ICT-RELATED VIOLENCE AGAINST A WOMAN AND/OR
HER CHILDREN.”

SEC. 4, Section 6 of the same Act is amended to read as follows:

“SEC. 6, Penalties. ~ xx x

“(@)xxx

“(b) xxx

“()xxx

(@) xxx

Ce) xxx

“(xxx

4“(G) ACTS FALLING UNDER SECTION 5(J) AND 5(K)
OF THIS ACT SHALL BE PUNISHED BY RECLUSION
TEMPORAL.

“If the acts are committed while the woman or child is pregnant
or committed in the presence of [her] THE WOMAN'S child, the
penalty to be applied shall be the maximum period of penalty
prescribed in this section.

“In addition to imprisonment, the perpetrator shall (a) pay a

fine in the amount of not less than [One] THREE hundred thousand
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pesos ([P-#90,000-00] P300,000.00) but not more than [Three] FIVE
hundred thousand pesos ({P300,000.00] PS00,000.00): PROVIDED,
THAT IN CASES OF ELECTRONIC OR ICT-RELATED
VIOLENCE, THE FINE THAT MAY BE IMPOSED SHALL
NOT BE LESS THAN THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS
(P300,000.00) BUT NOT MORE THAN FIVE HUNDRED
THOUSAND PESOS (P500,000.00); AND (b) SHALL undergo
mandatory psychological counseling or psychiatric treatment and shall
report compliance to the court.

“LIABILITY UNDER THIS ACT SHALL BE WITHOUT
PREJUDICE TO ANY LIABILITY FOR VIOLATION OF ANY
PROVISION OF THE REVISED PENAL CODE, AS AMENDED,

OR SPECIAL LAWS.”

SEC. 5. Section 7 of the same Act is amended to read as follows:

“SEC. 7. JURISDICTION AND Venue. — The Regional Trial

Court designated as a Family Court shall have original and exclusive

jurisdiction over cases of violence against women and their children
under this law. IN CASES OF ELECTRONIC OR ICT-RELATED
VIOLENCE, THE COURT ACQUIRES JURISDICTION IF ANY
OF THE ELEMENTS IS COMMITTED WITHIN THE
PHILIPPINES, OR COMMITTED WITH THE USE OF ANY
COMPUTER SYSTEM THAT IS WHOLLY OR PARTLY
SITUATED IN THE COUNTRY, OR WHEN SUCH
COMMISSION CAUSES ANY DAMAGE TO A WOMAN
AND/OR HER CHILDREN WHO, AT THE TIME OF THE

COMMISSION OF THE OFFENSE, ARE IN THE
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PHILIPPINES. CRIMINAL ACTION FOR VIOLATION OF
THIS ACT SHALL BE FILED WITH THE REGIONAL TRIAL
COURT DESIGNATED AS A FAMILY COURT WHERE THE
OFFENSE WAS COMMITTED. In the absence of such court [i-the-
place-where-the-offense-was-commitied], the case shall be filed in the
Regional Trial Court where the crime or any of its elements was
committed at the option of the complainant. IN CASES OF
ELECTRONIC OR ICT-RELATED VIOLENCE, THE CASE
MAY BE FILED IN THE PLACE WHERE ANY PART OF THE
COMPUTER SYSTEM USED IS SITUATED, WHERE ANY OF
THE DAMAGE CAUSED TO THE WOMAN AND/OR HER
CHILDREN TOOK PLACE, OR WHERE THE WOMAN
AND/OR HER CHILDREN RESIDE AT THE TIME THEY
LEARN OF THE COMMISSION OF THE OFFENSE.”
SEC. 6. Section 8 of the same Act is amended to read as follows:

“SEC. 8 Protection Orders. — xxx

(a) xxx

“(b) xxx

“(xxx

“(d)xxx

“(e)Xxx

“(xxx

“(ge xxx

“(h) xxx

“() xxx

“@) xxx; [and]
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“(k) ORDERING THE IMMEDIATE BLOCKING,

BLACKLIST!

REMOVAL, OR SHUTDOWN OF
ANY UPLOAD, PROGRAM, OR APPLICATION THAT
CAUSES OR TENDS TO CAUSE VIOLENCE AGAINST
A WOMAN AND/OR HER CHILDREN. FAILURE OF
AN INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER TO COOPERATE
WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES SHALL
CONSTITUTE THE CRIME OF OBSTRUCTION OF
JUSTICE. THE DUTIES OF AN INTERNET SERVICE
PROVIDER AS PROVIDED FOR UNDER SECTION 9 (B)
OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11930, OTHERWISE KNOWN
AS THE “ANTI-ONLINE SEXUAL ABUSE OR
EXPLOITATION OF CHILDREN (OSAEC) AND ANTI-
CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE OR EXPLOITATION
MATERIALS (CSAEM) ACT", SHALL BE APPLICABLE;
AND

“(L) Provision of such other forms of relief as the court deems
necessary to protect and provide for the safety of the petitioner
and any designated family or household member, provided
petitioner and any designated family or household member
consents to such relief.

XXX,

SEC. 7. Section 24 of the same Act is amended to read as follows:

“SEC. 24. Prescriptive Period. ~ Acts falling under Sections

5(a) to 5(f) OF THIS ACT shall prescribe in twenty (20) years. Acts

falling under Sections 5(g) to 5(i) OF THIS ACT shall prescribe in ten

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(10) years. ACTS FALLING UNDER SECTIONS 5(J) AND 5(K)
OF THIS ACT SHALL BE IMPRESCRIPTIBLE.”
SEC. 8. Section 32 of the same Act is amended to read as follows:

“SEC. 32. Duties of Other Government Agencies and LGUs.
Other government agencies and LGUs, INCLUDING PHILIPPINE
EMBASSIES AND CONSULAR OFFICES, shall establish
programs such as, but not limited to, education and information
campaign and seminars or symposia on SEXUAL AND
REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH, AND the nature, causes, incidence and
consequences of such violence AGAINST WOMEN AND/OR
THEIR CHILDREN particularly towards educating the public on its
social impacts.

“XXX.”
SEC. 9, Section 39 of the same Act is amended to read as follows:

“SEC. 39. Inter-Agency Council on Violence Against Women
and Their Children (IAC-VAWC).-xxx

“(a) xxx

“(b) [National-Commission-onthe Role-of Filipine -Women-
(€NCREW)] PHILIPPINE COMMISSION ON WOMEN (PCW);

“(C) XXX

“(@)xxx

“(@) xxx

“(xxx

“(g) Xxx

“(h) xxx

“xxx
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“G) xxx

“(k) Department of Labor and Employment; [and]

“(I) National Bureau of Investigation[.];

“(M) MOVIE AND TELEVISION REVIEW AND
CLASSIFICATION BOARD (MTRCB);

“™) DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY (DOST);

“() NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS
COMMISSION (NTC);

“(@) DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION AND
COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY (DICT);

“(Q) DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS (DFA);

“(R) COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEAS (CFO);

“(S) DEPARTMENT OF MIGRANT WORKERS (DMW);

“(T) | OVERSEAS = WORKERS — WELFARE
ADMINISTRATION (OWWA); AND

“(U) TWO (2) REPRESENTATIVES FROM WOMEN’S
RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS WITH A PROVEN TRACK
RECORD OF INVOLVEMENT IN THE PREVENTION AND
ELIMINATION OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND
THEIR CHILDREN (VAWC) WHO SHALL BE CHOSEN BY
THE GOVERNMENT AGENCY REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
COUNCIL TO SERVE FOR A TERM OF THREE (3) YEARS.

“These agencies are tasked to formulate programs and projects
to eliminate [¥AW] VAWC based on their mandates as well as

develop capability programs for their employees to become more
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sensitive to the needs of their clients. The Council will also serve as the
monitoring body as regards [to ¥AW] THE IMPLEMENTATION
OF THIS ACT AND ANTI-VAWC initiatives.”

KXX.
SEC. 10. Section 40 of the same Act is amended to read as follows:

“SEC. 40. Mandatory Programs and Services for [Vietims]
WOMEN AND THEIR CHILDREN. ~ IN CASES FILED UNDER
‘THIS ACT, [Fhe] THE DSWD, and LGUs shall provide [the vietims]
WOMEN AND THEIR CHILDREN, temporary shelters, provide
counseling, psycho-social services [and/or] OR recovery,
rehabilitation programs, and livelihood assistance.

“IN THE CASE OF WOMEN MIGRANT WORKERS
AND/OR THEIR CHILDREN, RELEVANT EMBASSIES AND
FOREIGN AFFAIRS PERSONNEL AND EMPLOYEES SHALL
ENSURE THAT THEY ARE GIVEN ADEQUATE RESOURCES
AND ACCESS TO LEGAL, MEDICAL, AND SOCIAL
SERVICES IN THE RECEIVING STATE, DURING TRANSIT
AND UPON RETURN, ESPECIALLY DURING
REPATRIATION. THESE SERVICES INCLUDE THE
PROVISION OF TEMPORARY SHELTERS, PSYCHOSOCIAL
SERVICES, AND LEGAL AID, AND PRIORITIZING
WOMEN’S AND CHILDREN’S SPECIFIC HEALTH NEEDS
AT THE COMMUNITY LEVEL, PARTICULARLY ACCESS
TO SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH SERVICES,

AND ANTI-SEXUAL ASSAULT KITS TO INCLUDE


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EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION AND POST EXPOSURE
PROPHYLAXIS FOR HIV.

“The DOH shall provide medical assistance to [victims]
WOMEN AND THEIR CHILDREN IN CASES FILED UNDER
THIS ACT.

“THE DSWD, LGUs AND DOH SHALL ENSURE THAT
ALL RECORDS OF A WOMAN AND HER CHILDREN
OBTAINED IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROVISIONING
OF SUCH SERVICES BY THE AGENCIES SHALL BE HELD
CONFIDENTIAL UNLESS THERE IS A COURT ORDER
AUTHORIZING THE RELEASE OF ANY INFORMATION OR
DATA.

“THE DOJ SHALL ESTABLISH AND ADMINISTER AN
IDENTITY AND LOCATION CONFIDENTIALITY PROGRAM
TO BE REFERRED TO AS THE “PROGRAM”, WHICH
SHALL ENSURE THE PROTECTION AND SAFETY OF
WOMEN AND THEIR CHILDREN BY PROVIDING THEM
WITH A SUBSTITUTE ADDRESS TO BE USED WHEN
INTERACTING WITH GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND A
NEW MAILING ADDRESS WHICH KEEPS THEIR ACTUAL
WHEREABOUTS CONFIDENTIAL AND FREE FROM THE
RISK OF DISCOVERY BY THIRD PARTIES. THE PROGRAM
SHALL CATER TO WOMEN AND THEIR CHILDREN WHO
INTEND TO ESTABLISH A NEW RESIDENCE OR THOSE

WHO HAVE ALREADY RELOCATED TO ANOTHER PLACE

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UNKNOWN TO THEIR ASSAILANTS OR ABUSERS WHO
MAY USE PUBLIC RECORDS TO FIND THEM.

“IN THIS REGARD, THE APPLICATION FOR
INCLUSION IN THE PROGRAM AS WELL AS OTHER
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS SUBMITTED BY WOMEN AND
THEIR CHILDREN SHALL NOT BE CONSIDERED AS
PUBLIC RECORD AND SHALL BE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL BY
THE DOJ AND SHALL ONLY BE RELEASED UPON THE
ORDER OF THE COURT.

“ANY OFFICIAL OR EMPLOYEE WHO WILLFULLY
BREACHES THE CONFIDENTIALITY OF THESE RECORDS
OR WILLFULLY DISCLOSES THE NAME, RESIDENTIAL OR
MAILING ADDRESS OF A WOMAN AND HER CHILDREN IN
VIOLATION OF THIS PROVISION OF THIS ACT, SHALL
SUFFER THE PENALTY OF ONE (1) YEAR IMPRISONMENT
AND A FINE OF NOT LESS THAN THREE HUNDRED
THOUSAND PESOS (P300,000.00) BUT NOT MORE THAN
FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (P500,000.00).”

SEC. 11. Section 43 of the same Act is amended to read as follows:

“SEC. 43. [Entitlement-to-Leave—Vietims-under-this-Act shal



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an—employer—whe—shall_prejudice—any—person—for_assisting-a—co-

employee whe is a viet under dv shall tikewise-be Hable f

discrimination] ADDITIONAL LEAVE BENEFITS. — DURING
THE APPLICATION OF ANY PROTECTION ORDER,
INVESTIGATION, PROSECUTION, AND/OR TRIAL OF THE
CRIMINAL CASE, A VICTIM OF E-VAWC WHO IS
EMPLOYED SHALL BE ENTITLED TO A PAID LEAVE OF
ABSENCE OF UP TO TWENTY (20) DAYS IN ADDITION TO
OTHER PAID LEAVES UNDER THE LABOR CODE, CIVIL
SERVICE RULES AND REGULATIONS AND OTHER
EXISTING LAWS AND COMPANY POLICIES, EXTENDIBLE
WHEN THE NECESSITY ARISES AS SPECIFIED IN THE
PROTECTION ORDER. THE PUNONG BARANGAY/KAGAWAD,
PNP WOMEN’S AND CHILDREN’S DESKS OR
PROSECUTOR OR THE CLERK OF COURT, PHYSICIANS,
SOCIAL WORKERS, AND LICENSED COUNSELORS AS THE
CASE MAY BE, SHALL ISSUE A CERTIFICATION, AT NO
COST TO THE WOMAN, THAT SUCH IS PENDING UNDER
THEIR JURISDICTION. THIS CERTIFICATION SHALL BE
THE ONLY REQUIREMENT FOR THE EMPLOYER TO
GRANT THE TWENTY (20}DAY PAID LEAVE
APPLICATION. IN ADDITION TO THE AFOREMENTIONED
CERTIFICATION, AN EMPLOYEE OF THE GOVERNMENT
MUST FILE AN APPLICATION FOR LEAVE, CITING THIS

ACT. THE ADMINISTRATIVE ENFORCEMENT OF THIS
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LEAVE ENTITLEMENT SHALL BE CONSIDERED WITHIN
THE JURISDICTION OF THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF
THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT (DOLE)
UNDER ARTICLE 129 OF THE LABOR CODE OF
THE PHILIPPINES, AS AMENDED, FOR EMPLOYEES IN
THE PRIVATE SECTOR, AND THE CIVIL SERVICE
COMMISSION (CSC), FOR GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES.

“THE AVAILMENT OF THE TWENTY (20}DAY
LEAVE OF ABSENCE SHALL BE AT THE OPTION OF THE
WOMAN EMPLOYEE, WHICH SHALL COVER THE DAYS
THAT SHE HAS TO ATTEND TO MEDICAL, LEGAL, AND
OTHER VALID CONCERNS RELATED TO THE PENDING
CASE. LEAVES NOT AVAILED OF ARE NON-CUMULATIVE
AND NOT CONVERTIBLE TO CASH.

“THE IMMEDIATE SUPERIOR OF THE PERSON
APPLYING FOR A TWENTY (20)-DAY PAID LEAVE SHALL
APPROVE THE APPLICATION ON THE SAME DAY IT WAS
FILED. IF THE IMMEDIATE SUPERIOR IS UNAVAILABLE
TO ACT ON THE APPLICATION FOR A LEAVE, THE
APPLICATION SHALL BE ACTED UPON BY ANY
AVAILABLE SENIOR OFFICIAL OF THE PRIVATE
COMPANY OR GOVERNMENT AGENCY.

“ALL PRIVATE COMPANIES AND GOVERNMENT
AGENCIES SHALL RECORD ALL APPLICATIONS FOR
LEAVE IN A LOGBOOK SPECIFICALLY FOR CASES OF E-

VAWC. THEY SHALL SUBMIT A QUARTERLY REPORT ON
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ALL APPLICATIONS ISSUED TO THE REGIONAL
DIRECTOR OF THE DOLE FOR EMPLOYEES OF THE
PRIVATE SECTOR, AND THE CSC, FOR GOVERNMENT
EMPLOYEES.

“FAILURE TO ACT ON AN APPLICATION FOR A
TWENTY (20)-DAY PAID LEAVE OF ABSENCE WITHIN THE
PRESCRIBED PERIOD WITHOUT JUSTIFIABLE CAUSE
SHALL RENDER THE IMMEDIATE SUPERIOR OR SENIOR
OFFICIAL ADMINISTRATIVELY LIABLE, AND THE
PENALTY OF SUSPENSION FOR FIFTEEN (15) DAYS SHALL
BE IMPOSED UPON THE OFFICIAL. AN ADMINISTRATIVE
COMPLAINT AGAINST THE IMMEDIATE SUPERIOR OR
SENIOR OFFICIAL FOR FAILURE TO PERFORM ONE’S
DUTIES CAN BE FILED BY A VICTIM-SURVIVOR WITH
THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF THE DOLE FOR
EMPLOYEES OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR, AND THE CSC,
FOR GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, FOR GROSS NEGLECT
OF DUTY OR MALFEASANCE.

“THE IMMEDIATE SUPERIOR OR SENIOR OFFICIAL
‘WHO DENIES THE APPLICATION FOR LEAVE, AND WHO
SHALL PREJUDICE THE VICTIM-SURVIVOR OR ANY
PERSON FOR ASSISTING A CO-EMPLOYEE WHO IS A
VICTIM-SURVIVOR UNDER THIS ACT SHALL BE LIABLE
FOR A FINE NOT EXCEEDING TEN THOUSAND PESOS
(P10,000.00) AND SUSPENSION FOR THIRTY (30) DAYS FOR

DISCRIMINATION AND VIOLATION OF THIS ACT.
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“ANY SENIOR OFFICIAL, INCLUDING THE HEAD OF

THE AGENCY WHO HAS KNOWLEDGE OF, BUT FAILS TO

ACT ON, OR HAS IN ANY WAY INFLUENCED THE DENIAL

OF THE IMMEDIATE SUPERIOR OF THE LEAVE

APPLICATION OF A VICTIM-SURVIVOR, SHALL BE HELD

ADMINISTRATIVELY LIABLE AND SHALL BE SUSPENDED

FOR FIFTEEN (15) DAYS.”

SEC. 12. Separability Clause. - If any portion or provision of this Act is held
unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining portions or provisions shall not be affected.

SEC. 13. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, executive orders and rules
and regulations, or parts thereof, inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are
hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 14. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation,

Approved,

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