IRR for Bawal Bastos Law signed

At least 16 government agencies and private organizations gathered as they signed the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Safe Spaces Act, or the Bawal Bastos Law, during a ceremony on Monday.

Senator Risa Hontiveros, who authored the law, said Republic Act 11313 is a game-changer measure that will end gender-based harassment and violence in public places.

“Isa itong makasaysayang araw. Sa wakas, may IRR na ang Bawal Bastos Law. Bilang na ang mga araw ng mga 'boy bastos' at lahat ng sino man na gagawa ng gender-based public harassment,” Hontiveros said in a speech during the signing ceremony.

According to Hontiveros, the IRR underwent an intense review by government agencies, advocacy groups and members of the academe.

At least 16 government agencies signed the IRR including the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Education, and Commission on Human Rights.

MMDA chair Danilo Lim said he is committing "full support and efforts" of the MMDA in implementing the law.

“I am fully committing our support and efforts for the effective implementation of this law,” Lim said in a speech during the signing ceremony.

He said they will put more CCTV cameras around Metro Manila to help monitor possible harassment in public places.

According to Hontiveros, the law will promote positive policy, behavioral and cultural changes. —KBK, GMA News