The Provincial
Government of Cavite
(PGC) took a significant
step towards ensuring
safety against all forms
of gender-based sexual
harassment committed in
public spaces, educational or training institutions,
workplace, as well as online space, as it hosted a
landmark seminar on Republic Act 11313 or the
Bawal Bastos Law, for
PGC employees. Spearheaded by the Office of
the Office of the Provincial
Legal Office, the event
held at the Ceremonial
Hall on September 21,
2023, brought together
employees to discuss and
promote the vital provisions of this groundbreaking legislation.
The seminar
featured a panel of distinguished speakers, each
with a deep understanding
of Safe Spaces Act and its
implications for creating a
safer and more respectful
environment for all PGC
employees.
The roster of
speakers included Atty.
Annaliza P. Mercene-Pulmones, Provincial Legal
Officer who discussed
the ‘’Sexual Harassment
and Safe Spaces Act
in Relation to Civil Service Rules’’; Atty. Brian
Mey R. Tomas, Executive Assistant V Office of
the Provincial Governor
who delved into the topic of ‘’Gender-based online sexual harassment’’;
Atty. Reynaldo Angelito
R. Cortes, Attorney III
who addressed concerns
within ‘’Gender-based
Streets and Public Spaces
Sexual Harassment and
Qualified Gender-based
streets, Public Spaces
and online Sexual Harassment’’; Atty. Allana Marie
P. Bawalan, Attorney III
who enlightened the PGC
employees about ‘’Gender-based sexual harassment in the workplace’’;
and, Atty. Bianca Mari B.
Herrera, Attorney IV, offered her knowledge on
‘’Gender-based sexual
harassment in educational
and training institutions’’.
Together, these legal luminaries bring a wealth
of expertise and experience to the discussions,
reflecting the diversity and
complexity of the issues at
hand.
Atty. Pulmoses
who is also the head of the
Committee on Decorum
and Investigation (CODI),
likewise, shared the punishable offenses which
lead to dismissal from service.
The seminar also
reiterated the duties of the
employers and co-workers to provide measures
to prevent gender-based
sexual harassments and
the CODI to act on cases
of GBHS. – Fatima Tamio
