Muntinlupa bans sexual harassment in public

Muntinlupa City has signed a landmark ordinance aimed at preventing gender-based sexual harassment in public spaces like streets, workplaces, educational institutions and online. The local government on Monday passed Ordinance No. 2023-077, in line with Republic Act No. 1313, or the Safe Spaces Act, that penalizes sexual advances like catcalling and sexual innuendos in public and private spaces. “We want to make sure that each citizen is safe from harassment,” Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon said in a statement. Violators face fines of P10,000 to P20,000 or imprisonment of up to two years.

—Jane Bautista