It has come to the attention of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) the alleged sexual harassment of a 17-year-old girl by a Transportation Network Vehicle Services (TNVS) driver in Pasay City. According to initial reports, the male driver introduced himself to the victim as a ride-hailing app vehicle service, but eventually convinced the victim to avail the fare meter instead. During the ride, he allegedly verbally harassed and inappropriately touched the victim.

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 (RA) 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.

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.

The Commission lauds the bravery of the girl for calling the attention of nearby police officers despite her shock. Her immediate action prompted law officers to conduct a swift entrapment operation and arrest the alleged perpetrator. We look forward to the progress of this case so we may ascertain justice for the victim.

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 normalise 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 (bit.ly/ReportBawalBastos).

Together, let us keep safe and report abuse. ###