USM Discusses Bawal Bastos Law 

The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) Gender and Development (GAD) office conducted a discussion on the Safe Space Act or the Bawal Bastos Law at the USM Commercial Building, Kabacan, Cotabato, on March 23, 2024, with 300 tricycle drivers in attendance.

Atty. Marione John C. Seto, the USM Legal Officer, graced the activity as resource person. He explained the significance of the discussion for the awareness of tricycle drivers and to protect themselves against the possible implications of the said law. Atty. Seto discussed that the law recognizes the importance of promoting safety and respect for all individuals, regardless of gender. He highlighted that the law aims to ensure a safe space for women.  

In an interview, Prof. Roselyn M. Clemen, the USM GAD focal person, said that the Safe Space Act, also known as Bawal Bastos Law, is applied to all units at the university. It aims to promote awareness to have a harmonious environment inside and outside the university. Tricycle drivers are a great help to the students for their transportation on the campus and in Kabacan in general. They are invited to the discussion to avoid unwanted incidents.

Below are the penalt for the offenses: 

First-degree offenses include wolf-whistling, catcalling, leering, intrusive gazing, taunting, and unwanted invitations such as degrading jokes, and the penalty for these offenses starts from a 1,000 to a 10,000 fine and between 6 days to 30 days in prison. 

Second-degree offenses are composed of graphing, flashing private parts, public masturbation, and making offensive sexual body gestures at someone. These warrant a fine between 10,000 to 20,000 and imprisonment between 11 days to six months.

Third-degree offenses are actions that involve physical contact, such as brushing against, touching, or pinching the arms, buttocks, breasts, face, thighs, or any part of the victim’s body, and the fine ranges from 30,000 to 100,000 with one to six months imprisonment.