By Gabriela Baron
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) warned public utility vehicle (PUVs) drivers and operators against gender-based sexual harassment.
In the released Memorandum Circular No. 2023-016 of the LTFRB Board, the agency reminded drivers and operators to ensure that no passenger of PUVs should experience harassment just because of their gender.
“Sakali mang mayroon ay nararapat itong ipagbigay-alam o iulat sa mga [awtoridad],” LTFRB Chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III said.
The Memorandum Circular covers all PUV operators who have been granted Certificate of Public Convenience, Provisional Authority, or Special Permits by the LTFRB.
Republic Act 11313 or the “Safe Spaces Act,” is a response to fight and give competent punishment to any “gender-based sexual harassment” in the streets, public places, online, workplaces, and even educational institutions.
Under the Memorandum Circular and “Safe Spaces Act “catcalling,” obscene and sexist comments, derisive acts based on gender, are among those that may be punished and fined.
PUV drivers, operators, and conductors who violate the Memorandum Circular and “Safe Spaces Act” will be fined P5,000 to P15,000 and may also face suspension of their vehicle operation for six months to one year.
“We are directing our PUV operators, drivers, conductors and their employees, through this memorandum circular, to make sure that safe space is protected at all times against sexual harassment of any form,” Guadiz said.
“It will be their responsibility to prevent and report the commission of these acts against their passengers and more importantly, make sure that they are not the ones who will commit these acts themselves because the consequences will be harsh,” he added. -ag
