NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHIUPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s. No. 2232
of t!)e
23 MAY 23 A9 59
RECEIVED BV.
Introduced by SENATOR CYNTHIA A. VILLAR
AN ACT
AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT 11313, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS SAFE SPACES 
ACT, PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR GENDER-BASED SEXUAL HARASSMENT 
IN EDUCATIONAL AND TRAINING INSTITUTIONS AND THE WORKPLACE
Our 1987 Philippine Constitution places great emphasis on the role of women 
in nation-building, and it mandates equal treatment for all, irrespective of their 
gender. This is the foundation upon which our laws against sexual harassment are 
built.
The Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995 (Republic Act No. 7877) was one of 
the earliest laws designed to protect both men and women from sexual harassment. 
However, recognizing the need for a more comprehensive approach, the Safe 
Spaces Act (Republic Act 11313) was enacted in 2018. This newer law expands the 
definition of sexual harassment, extending its application to include situations in 
educational and training institutions and workplaces. The law takes into account that 
harassment can come from any direction - not just those above us in hierarchy but 
also our peers, subordinates, students, and trainees.
While we've made notable strides In addressing sexual harassment, a 
significant challenge remains. The penalties for Gender-Based Sexual Harassment 
under the existing laws are not commensurate with the severity of the crime and the 
harm it inflicts on its victims. The current penalty is a jail term ranging from one to 
six months, or a fine from Ten Thousand to Twenty Thousand Pesos, or a


combination of both. This punishment is even iess severe than the penalties for 
Gender-Based Online Sexual Harassment under the Safe Spaces Act, and it Is 
considerably less than penalties outlined In the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act.
It is clear that the penalties as they stand are not enough of a deterrent, nor 
do they offer sufficient justice to victims. This bill proposed to amend the Safe 
Spaces Act to establish more appropriate penalties for sexual harassment violations. 
These amendments will reflect the broader definition of sexual harassment covered 
under the Safe Spaces Act and will aim to provide justice proportionate to the 
gravity of the offense.
In sum, I recommend the approval of this bill.
CYNTHIA A. VILLA!


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
of Ihc
23 MAY 23 A9 59
RECEI/cO BV
S. No.
2232
Introduced by SENATOR CYNTHIA A. VILLAR
AN ACT
AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT 11313, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS SAFE SPACES 
ACT, PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR GENDER-BASED SEXUAL HARASSMENT 
IN EDUCATIONAL AND TRAINING INSTITUTIONS AND THE WORKPLACE
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
Section 1. A new section denominated as Section 20-A is hereby inserted after
2 
Section 20 of the Republic Act 11313 otherwise known as Safe Spaces Act, to read
3 
as foliows:
4 
"Section 20-A. Penalties for Gender-Based Sexual Harassment in the
5 
Workplace. - The penaity of prision correcciona! in its maximum period or a
6 
fine of not less than two hundred fifty thousand pesos (P250,000.00) but not
7 
more than five hundred thousand pesos (P500,000.00), or both, at the
8 
discretion of the court shall be imposed upon any person found guilty of any
9 
gender-based sexual harassment under this Article.
10 
If the perpetrator is the head of the workpiace or organization, his or her
11 
appointment shall be automatically deemed revoked upon conviction. An alien
12 
who commits gender-based sexual harassment in the workplace shall be
13 
subject to deportation proceedings after serving sentence and payment of
14 
fines."


1 
Sec. 2. A new section denominated as Section 26-A is hereby inserted after
2 
Section 26 of the same Act, to read as follows:
3 
"Section 26-A. Penalties for Gender-Based Sexual Harassment in Education or
4 
Training Institutions. - The penalty of prision correccional in its maximum
5 
period or a fine of not less than two hundred fifty thousand pesos
6 
(P250,000.00) but not more than five hundred thousand pesos (P500,000.00),
7 
or both, at the discretion of the court shall be imposed upon any person
8 
found guilty of any gender-based sexual harassment under this Article.
9 
If the perpetrator Is the head of the school or organization, his or her
10 
appointment shall be automatically deemed revoked upon conviction. An alien
11 
who commits gender-based sexual harassment in an education or training
12 
institution shall be subject to deportation proceedings after serving sentence
13 
and payment of fines."
14 
Sec. 3. Separability Clause. - Should any provision of this Act or any part
15 
thereof be declared invalid, the other provisions, insofar as they are separable from
16 
the invalid one, shall remain in full force and effect.
17 
Sec. 4. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, issuances, and rules and
18 
regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby
19 
repealed or modified accordingly.
20 
Sec. 5. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
21 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,