House bill banning dress code for individuals seeking gov't services filed

A bill prohibiting government offices providing frontline services from imposing dress code to individuals seeking assistance, provided that the prescribed attire and footwear is not essential or integral to the transaction, has been filed in the House of Representatives.

Akbayan party-list Representative Perci Cendaña filed House Bill 11078 saying that government services should be accessible to marginalized communities, regardless of what they wear.

“Strict dress codes that have no relation to the frontline services being accessed 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,” he said.

(These dress codes drive away the marginalized communities.)

“Gusto natin tanggalin ‘yung pagiging judgemental sa dress or attire. Hindi lahat afford ang outfit check. We want government offices to welcome everyone no matter your socioeconomic status,” Cendaña added.

(We should not be judgemental on a person’s attire. Not everybody can afford a nice outfit.)

Likewise, Cendaña said his proposal is provided for under Article 13, Section 1 of the Constitution which mandates Congress to give the highest priority to the enactment of measures that protect and enhance the right of all people to human dignity, reduce social, economic, and political inequalities, and remove cultural inequities.

“These mandates have been historically neglected by imposing discriminatory measures against marginalized sectors. Farmers, fisherfolks, urban poor, indigenous  people, and other vulnerable groups have experienced being subjected to dress codes imposed by public offices,” the bill read.

“Discrimination based on clothing has no place in public offices, the establishment and operations of which all taxpayers paid for. The principles of  equality and nondiscrimination must be observed and adhered to most especially by  government institutions. In view of the foregoing, the passage of this Open Door Policy is earnestly sought,” the bill added.—AOL, GMA Integrated News