UP GLPP attends TWG Meeting on SB Nos 565 and 845

On 6 October 2025, the UP Gender Law and Policy Program (UP GLPP), represented by Atty. Glenda Litong, Atty. Angelo Santiago, Atty. Irene Pua, and Gari Acolola, participated in a technical working group meeting convened by the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality, in collaboration with the Committee on Justice and Human Rights. The event was held at the Senate of the Philippines in Pasay City.

The meeting was also attended by key resource persons and representatives from various organizations, who provided technical inputs and recommendations on the proposed amendments to the Safe Spaces Act, specifically Senate Bill Nos. 565 and 845, filed by Senators Risa Hontiveros and Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada.

UP GLPP’s discussions and recommendations focused on strengthening the Safe Spaces Act by clarifying the scope and definitions of gender-based sexual harassment and ensuring its applicability across both public and private settings. Key points raised included the recognition of online spaces as public domains, the importance of monitoring compliance with preventive measures, and the need to address both online and offline forms of harassment.

The use of technology was discussed as a potential aggravating circumstance, alongside calls to adopt “future-proof” language for emerging technologies and to empower relevant agencies, such as the DICT, to identify and address these developments. Participants also highlighted the need to consider instances where inappropriate remarks may not be directed at a specific individual but still contribute to a hostile environment.

UP GLPP remains committed to contributing to policymaking that upholds the rights and protections of all individuals, regardless of gender, in line with the Safe Spaces Act (Republic Act No. 11313), which prohibits and penalizes gender-based sexual harassment in public spaces, workplaces, educational and training institutions, and online.