MANILA – Solid North Party-list Rep. Ching Bernos has urged Congress to amend the Safe Spaces Act to impose stiffer penalties against violators, amid the continued rise of sexual harassment cases.

“It is unfortunate that in the 30 years that we have had the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act and seven years after we have come up with the Safe Spaces Act, it seems we still have a long way to go,” Bernos said in a news release on Tuesday.

“Tila ba nawawalan ng silbi ang batas na pumoprotekta kontra abuso dahil patuloy pa rin ang ulat tungkol sa mga insidente ng harassment… tiyak na mas maraming biktima ang nagtitiis lamang at hindi nagsusuplong dahil sa takot (The law protecting against abuses seems useless since harassment incidents continue. And the grim reality is that if few are reported, surely, more victims endure in silence out of fear),” she added.

Her call came after several recent reports of harassment involving public officials, including a Manila City councilor, a Philippine National Police Academy officer, and a senior military official.

Under House Bill No. 3118, Bernos proposed higher penalties for gender-based sexual harassment in educational and training institutions, as well as workplaces.

The measure seeks imprisonment of up to six years, or a fine ranging from PHP250,000 to PHP500,000, or both, for those found guilty.

Heads of offices convicted of the offense would have their appointments revoked, while foreign offenders would be deported after serving their sentence or paying the fine.

Public officials or employees found guilty of promoting or tolerating harassment, or uttering misogynistic, sexist, or discriminatory remarks, would also face penalties.

For the first offense, they would be fined PHP100,000 to PHP200,000, suspended without pay for at least six months, and required to undergo gender-sensitivity and anti-harassment training.

A repeat offense would merit dismissal from service, a fine of PHP200,000 to PHP300,000, a five-year disqualification from holding public office, and a permanent record of the offense.

Convicted offenders would also be required to issue a public apology to the victims and the general public. | PNA