Senator Risa Hontiveros, together with various groups of women and youth, on Tuesday urged voters to choose candidates supporting “pro-safe spaces,” and those who seek the end of violence against women and children.
At a Quezon City news conference “Bawal Bastos,” Hontiveros vowed to push for any effort to stop sexual harassment in streets and public spaces [SHiPs].
She authored Senate Bill No. 1326 or the Safe Streets and Public Spaces Act that was passed on third and final reading in a bid to promote safety and freedom from all forms of street harassment.
Arline Santos, Institute for Politics and Governance executive director, challenged the voters to support candidates running in the 2019 midterm polls who are against gender-based sexual harassment in public spaces.
“We have achieved much but we can do even more. The upcoming election is our chance to produce more champions against catcalling, stalking and other acts of gender-based violence,” she said.
Cherry Baronuevo, Damayan ng Maralitang Pilipino Api Inc. president, said while the bill has remained pending at the House of Representatives and the Senate, several local government units, such as Quezon City, Manila and Rizal’s Antipolo City, have already been implementing their respective measures to sanction catcalling on women.