(MANILA BULLETIN)

A bill that aims to expand the access of marginalized sectors to government services by prohibiting strict dress codes has been filed in the House of Representatives.

Akbayan Party-list Rep. Perci Cendaña proposed the measure under House Bill (HB) No. 11078 or the “Bawal Judgemental” bill. It  named after the Filipino phrase used to urge people to refrain from making assumptions based solely on appearance.

In a statement, Cendaña said the bill will pave the way for better access for members of marginalized sectors who wish to make simple transactions with government offices that offer frontline services.

He emphasized that strict dress codes have no relation to the delivery of frontline services. Instead, they only end up discriminating against the poor and indigenous communities.

“Sadly, yung policy na strict na dress codes ay nagreresulta sa pagtataboy sa mga marginalized communities. Gusto natin tanggalin yung pagiging judgemental sa dress or attire lalo na kung hindi naman konektado sa nasabing serbisyo yung pananamit,” he said.

(Sadly, the strict dress code policy results in the exclusion of marginalized communities. We want to eliminate judgment based on dress or attire, especially when it is not connected to the service being provided.)

“We want government frontline services to be truly accessible. Hindi lahat afford ang (Not everyone can afford an) outfit check. We want government offices to welcome everyone no matter your socioeconomic status,” he added.

Usually, government offices prohibit the entry of individuals wearing shorts, sleeveless shirts, slippers, and other attire that are considered informal.

Under HB No. 11708, government offices with frontline services are prohibited from imposing prescribed attire and footwear for citizens engaging in simple transactions.

The bill, however, states that a certain dress code will be allowed if it's relevant to the nature of the transaction.

The measure specifies that this applies to all government agencies that offer frontline services, including the national government and all its agencies, constitutional commissions, local governments and all their agencies, state universities and colleges, the Senate and the House of Representatives, among others.

The dress codes for public officials and employees in the course of their duties shall not be affected by the measure.

The “Bawal Judgemental” bill likewise prohibits strict dress codes for citizens attending public meetings or hearings as guests, observers, or participants.

Failure to comply with the measure shall be considered gross neglect of duty and will serve as grounds for administrative and disciplinary sanctions against any public official who deliberately implements a strict dress code.