By ARTEMIO DUMLAO
www.nordis.net

BAGUIO CITY — The office of the city mayor assured the public that it will not intervene in the legal proceedings involving officers of the Baguio City Public Order and Safety Division (POSD) who are facing charges under Republic Act No. 11313, or the Safe Spaces Act, also known as the Bawal Bastos Law.

“Criminal and administrative cases have already been filed; the concerned employees have been directed to submit to the legal process. They will expect no interference from me,” Mayor Benjamin Magalong said in a text message on June 17.

“This administration is serious in instilling a culture of professionalism and respect in the workplace, and any conduct to the contrary is absolutely not tolerated,” he added.

In a resolution dated May 30, the City Prosecutor’s Office indicted a POSD officer, who heads the market unit, on three counts of violating the law. The POSD chief was also charged for allegedly failing to prevent such offenses. The case was filed at the Municipal Trial Court in Cities on June 2.

The charges stem from a complaint filed by a female POSD employee. She alleged that a male colleague repeatedly invaded her personal space and made her feel unsafe. She also said she was mocked in their work-related group chat, accused of stealing and tampering with an office tablet, and felt increasingly isolated in the workplace.

The complainant cited one incident of sexual harassment in which, while she was standing in front of the office printer, she felt someone brush against her back. Upon turning around, the accused allegedly poked her lower front area with a ballpoint pen. She said she verbally expressed her discomfort, but the officer only laughed and did not apologize.

In another incident, the same officer, while drinking with friends, allegedly contacted the complainant through her colleagues and told her to entertain him and his drinking companions.

The complainant also accused the POSD chief of neglecting his duty to prevent or address workplace harassment. She said he failed to display a copy of the Safe Spaces Act, implement preventive measures, or establish an internal mechanism to address sexual harassment complaints. She further alleged that the office lacked a proper code of conduct or workplace policy created in consultation with employees.

Signed in April 2019, the law seeks to protect individuals from gender-based sexual harassment in streets, public spaces, workplaces, online platforms, and educational or training institutions. It defines and penalizes such acts to promote safety, security, and equal treatment for all.#nordis.net