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A House of Representatives committee on Wednesday approved a measure that will impose stiffer penalties against sexual abuse.

The House women and gender equality committee will be consolidating House Bills (HB) No. 6971, 7376, and 7537 to impose a maximum fine of P500,000 and a prison sentence of up to six years to those found guilty of sexual abuse, according to a document obtained by BusinessWorld.

“It’s indeed sad to think that in our country, it seems like pleas are not enough [to prevent abuse]. We really need fines and penalties,” Bataan Rep. Geraldine B. Roman, who heads the House women and gender equality panel, said in Filipino.

About 60% of Filipinos have experienced workplace harassment and violence, according to Party-list Rep. Jonathan Clement M. Abalos II, adding that sexual abuse is a continuing yet underreported issue in schools.

The panel accepted an amendment to the measure, which proposes that public officials found guilty of sexual abuse be fined with a maximum of P100,000 and face a six-month suspension in office, while mandating they complete a gender sensitivity and anti-harassment program.

Repeating sex offenders among public officials would face a maximum fine of P200,000, dismissal from office, and disqualification from holding any government post for a period of no less than five years. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

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