Hontiveros, advocates hail passing of Manila ordinance vs. catcalling

Senator Risa Hontiveros and other women's rights advocates on Sunday lauded the passage of an ordinance banning catcalling and other forms of sexual harassment in the City of Manila.

In a press release, Hontiveros said the newly passed ordinance could create a "snowballing effect" and compel other local government units to follow suit.

"It could also trigger behavioral change and alter sexist language habits among our people. This will certainly serve as an inspiration as we push for the passage of a similar policy on the national level," she said.

The senator, who serves as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women, is pushing for the passage of a Safe Streets and Public Spaces Act, which aims to prohibit and penalize gender-based harassment in public spaces such as catcalling, wolf-whistling, cursing, leering, groping, and persistent requests for name and contact details.

Meanwhile, the United Nations for Women and the Institute for Politics and Governance (IPG) thanked the local authorities who have made the passing of the city ordinance possible.

"We likewise thank all the councilors who close ranks with us, and to Mayor Joseph 'Erap' Estrada for giving his all-out support for the passage of the ordinance. This is a clear triumph of Manileñas and women in general, and a step in the right direction to urban renewal," the IPG said.

According to Manila District 4 Councilor Krystle Bacani, chairperson of the City's Committee on Women, the message of passing the ordinance was clear: The  country's capital will not tolerate street-based sexual harassment."

"Sexual harassers, your days are numbered," Bacani said.

The ordinance penalizes all forms of sexual harassment in public spaces such as catcalling, wolf-whistling, leering, cursing, and persistent telling of sexual jokes.

Those who encounter such forms of harassment may file their complaints before the City's Prosecutor Office.

It will be free of charge and the complainants may also avail the legal services of lawyers from the Public Attorney's Office. — Anna Felicia Bajo/BM, GMA News