The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Thursday condemned the sexual assault against a minor by a driver of a transportation network vehicle services (TNVS) in Pasay City.
The CHR was reacting to the alleged sexual harassment of a 17-year-old girl by a male driver, who introduced himself to the victim as a ride-hailing app vehicle service, but eventually convinced the victim that he would use the fare meter reader instead.
During the ride, he allegedly committed acts of lasciviousness against his young passenger.
“CHR, as the country’s Gender Ombud, condemns this incident and reminds everyone that such cases of gender-based violence, especially against minors, should not be commonplace. We underscore the existence of Republic Act No. 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act (Bawal Bastos Law) which provides protective measures and prescribes corresponding penalties to gender-based sexual harassment such as catcalling; molestation; cyberharassment; transphobic, homophobic and sexist slurs, and sexual violence,” the agency stressed.
“More specifically, Article III, Section 15 of RA 11313 states that higher penalties shall be imposed if the act takes place in common carriers like TNVS and if the offended party is a minor,” it noted.
CHR lauded the courage of the girl in calling the attention of nearby police officers despite her shock, saying her immediate action prompted law officers to conduct a swift entrapment operation and arrest the suspect.
“We look forward to the progress of this case so we may ascertain justice for the victim,” it said.
“Once again, CHR asserts that all forms of gender-based violence should not be tolerated. Let us all remain vigilant against instances that attempt or threaten to normalize these unwanted and uninvited acts. We urge everyone to report cases similar to the incident, or any sexual or gender-based violence, in platforms, such as the CHR’s E-Report sa Gender Ombud,” it added.
The CHR called on the public report such abuses