CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna – Police Regional Office 4-A chief Brig. Gen. Paul Kenneth T. Lucas led the posting of Bawal Bastos Law stickers on Public Utility Vehicles in Calamba City on Monday, Dec. 16.
BRIG. Gen. Paul Kenneth Lucas places a Bawal Bastos sticker on a public utility vehicle on Dec. 16 in Calamba City, Laguna. (Photo via Danny Estacio).
Lucas said these stickers serve as a clear reminder that any form of harassment – whether physical, verbal, or online – is unacceptable and will be subject to legal penalties under Republic Act No. 11313 or the Bawal Bastos Law.
"Through this campaign, the Philippine National Police hopes to create a safer and more respectful environment, especially for women and other groups that are often the targets of harassment,” he said.
“These stickers serve as tools for education, helping to raise awareness and encourage better behavior among public transport operators and passengers alike. Our goal is to inspire mutual respect in every interaction and make public transportation a more welcoming space for everyone," added Lucas.
The Bawal Bastos Law aims to combat all forms of gender-based harassment in public spaces, including streets, public transport systems, workplaces, and online platforms.
Under the law, a penalty of prisión correccional (imprisonment for six months and one day to two years and four months or a fine ranging from ₱100,000 to ₱500,000, or both, at the discretion of the court) shall be imposed on anyone found guilty of gender-based sexual harassment.
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) may revoke the driver's license of individuals found guilty of committing sexual harassment in public utility vehicles (PUVs).
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), on the other hand, may suspend or revoke the franchise of transportation operators involved in acts of gender-based harassment in public spaces and transport systems.
The awareness campaign aligns with the Philippine National Police’s broader objectives of promoting gender equality, ensuring personal safety, and upholding the dignity of every individual.