The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has issued a memorandum order that sets the penalties for public utility vehicles (PUVs) operators and drivers who will be caught violating the laws related to gender-based public spaces sexual harassment.
Under LTFRB's Memorandum Circular No. 2023-016, the agency stated that acts such as harassment, catcalling, sexist comments, acts that mock and hurt a person, and sexual jokes are not allowed based on Republic Act 11313 or “Safe Spaces Act".
PUV operators, drivers, conductors, and employees, who violate the said law shall pay a fine of ₱5,000 and be suspended for six months.
At least a ₱10,000 penalty and one year suspension will be imposed against those who will be caught for the second time.
Meanwhile, those who will violate for the third time will pay the ₱15,000 fine and their Public Convenience (CPC) will be revoked.
In the same memo order, the LTFRB also directed all PUV operators to post signage that says "BAWAL ANG BASTOS!” and “ISUMBONG SA LTFRB! 24/7 Hotline: 1342 Email: [email protected]".
"Hinikayat ng Ahensya ang lahat ng mga tsuper at operator na tiyaking walang mararanasang panghaharass ang sinumang pasahero ng mga pampublikong sasakyan dahil lamang sa kanilang kasarian. Sakali mang mayroon ay nararapat itong ipagbigay-alam o i-ulat sa mga otoridad," it further said.
