The Department of Justice (DOJ) in the Davao Region has underscored the legal responsibilities of media institutions under the Safe Spaces Act, warning that non-compliance and violations may result in criminal and administrative sanctions.
Lawyer Gladys Joy Almasan, assistant regional prosecutor of the DOJ–Regional Prosecution Services 11, emphasized that media organizations play a crucial role not only in informing the public but also in ensuring their own adherence to Republic Act No. 11313, also known as the “Bawal Bastos Law.”
“Safe Spaces Act or Republic Act No. 11313. In addition to our existing Anti Harassment Law, Congress enacted this law which is known as the Bawal Bastos Law or the Safe Spaces Act,” Almasan said during Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao on Monday.
The law, which was signed last July 15, 2019, focuses on stopping gender-based sexual harassment to achieve equality, security, and safety of all persons not only in private but also on the streets, in public places, online especially in work places including training environment and also educational environment.
Almasan said the law penalizes gender-based sexual harassment across four key areas: public spaces, workplaces, online platforms, and training or educational environments.
“There are four categories of gender-based sexual harassment acts or prohibitions: public places including the streets, workplace, online, and training or in educational environment,” she said.
She stressed that media institutions, as employers, are required to ensure awareness of the law within their organizations.
“Under the law media practitioners, media employers should post in conspicuous places a copy of the law so that everybody in the workplace is aware of it. Second, it is recommended that in our reporting, in our media activities may use gender-neutral languages,” Almasan said.
Almasan warned that accountability extends beyond internal compliance, noting that published or broadcast content may also expose media entities to legal risks.
“We have to note that in any content that is in violation of the law in terms of media practitioners, the media company including its editors, reporters may be held criminally liable as well as administratively liable under this law. It may entail the revocation of license, the reputation of the media licenses and payment or fine,” she said.
The DOJ official also called for stronger information campaigns, urging media institutions to help amplify public awareness of the law through responsible reporting and content dissemination.
She noted that despite existing measures, incidents of harassment continue, making it essential for both institutions and the public to remain informed through printed materials and social media platforms.
