TOWARDS CREATING A RESPECTFUL COMMUNITY BEHAVIOR: A Critical Review of the Safe Spaces Act’s Enforcement and Challenges

Republic Act No. 11313 otherwise known as Safe Spaces Act or the Bawal Bastos Law was enacted in 2019 that aims to combat all forms of gender based sexual harassment in various public and private places which includes streets, educational institution, office or workplace, online platforms, among others. The law covers a broad scope that would ensure that everyone is safeguarded and protected from unwanted sexual actions or remarks in multiple environments and of different form of sexual harassment. Violation of the law imposes penalties such as imprisonment or fines.