Cat-calling and wolf-whistling

Cat-calling and wolf-whistling "My younger sister was walking back to our house when a group of men whistled and catcalled her. We are planning on filing a complaint against the said men. Is there any law that we can use against the said men? AnnieDear Annie, Section 4 of Republic Act 11313, otherwise known as the “Safe Spaces Act,” provides:“Section 4. Gender-Based Streets and Public Spaces Sexual Harassment. — The crimes of gender-based streets and public spaces sexual harassment are committed through any unwanted and uninvited sexual actions or remarks against any person regardless of the motive for committing such action or remarks. “Gender-based streets and public spaces harassment includes catcalling, wolf-whistling, unwanted invitations, misogynistic, transphobic, homophobic and sexist slurs, persistent uninvited comments or gestures on a person’s appearance, relentless requests for personal details, statement of sexual comments and suggestions, public masturbation or flashing of private parts, groping, or any advances, whether verbal or physical, that is unwanted and has threatened one’s public spaces such as alleys, roads, sidewalks and parks. Acts constitutive of gender-based streets and public spaces sexual harassment are those performed in buildings, schools, churches, restaurants, malls public washrooms, bars, internet shops, public markets, transportation terminals or public utility vehicles…” (Emphasis supplied)Clearly, catcalling and wolf whistling are examples of gender-based streets and public spaces sexual harassment. In your younger sister’s situation, the group of men that catcalled her may be held liable and penalized pursuant to the aforesaid law and certain local ordinances that punishes the same act. We hope that we were able to answer you. This advice is based solely on the facts you have narrated and our appreciation of the same. Our opinion may vary when other facts are changed or elaborated.Editor’s note: Dear PAO is a daily column of the Public Attorney’s Office. Questions for Chief Acosta may be sent to dearpao@manilatimes.net." - https://www.affordablecebu.com/