The Institute for Labor Studies organized a learning session on Republic Act 11313 “Safe Spaces Law of 2022” or the “Bawal Bastos Law” and its implementation in government offices last 16 February 2023.

Resource person Atty. Clifford Chan of the Civil Service Commission delved into circumstances or acts constituting transgression of individual’s safe spaces and accompanying penalties.

Presented in four modules, the learning sessions highlighted topics on gender sensitivity, administrative disciplinary rules against sexual harassment, due process under the administrative rules if sexual harassment has been committed, and the salient provisions of the Safe Spaces Law.

The learning session aimed at increasing awareness among the ILS officials, employees and interns about certain acts or circumstances that might have caused intimidation, discomfort, harassment, embarrassment, decreased self-esteem and unwarranted subordination to any victim-employee during their employment or tenure. It highlighted all forms of inappropriate actions that are covered by the law.

The learning session was also conducted in time with the reconstitution of the Institute’s Committee on Decorum and Investigation (CODI) of Sexual Harassment Cases headed by Deputy Executive Director Atty. Mary Grace L. Riguer-Teodosio.