COMPLIANCE AND MONITORING ASSESMENT IN THE

IMPLIMENTATION OF R.A. No. 11313 ALSO KNOWN AS SAFE SPACE

ACT OF 2019 IN MUNICIPALITY OF BOAC MARINDUQUE

__________________________________________________________________

________

A Thesis

Presented to the Faculty of

College of Criminal Justice Education

Marinduque State University

________________________________________________

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree

Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement Administration

MARK JOHN C. SENA

February 2025

Chapter I

INTRODUCTION
 This chapter presents the background of the study, the statement of the

problem, the significance of the study, and the scope and limitation.

Background of the Study

Public spaces should be safe for everyone, yet many people continue to

experience harassment in their daily lives. In response to this, the Safe Spaces Act

(Republic Act No. 11313)—also known as the "Bawal Bastos” Law was enacted to

protect individuals from gender-based sexual harassment (GBSH) in both online and

public spaces. This law ensures that no one, regardless of gender identity, expression,

or sexual orientation, has to endure acts of harassment while going about their daily

activities.

It is signed into law on April 17, 2019, and fully implemented on August 3,

2019, the Safe Spaces Act builds upon earlier legislation, such as the Anti-Sexual

Harassment Act of 1995 (R.A. No. 7877). Unlike previous laws that focused primarily

on workplace harassment, R.A. 11313 broadens the definition of harassment, expands

the list of prohibited acts, and holds both public and private institutions accountable

for maintaining harassment-free environments.

For many people, especially women and members of the LGBTQ+

community, public transportation remains a vulnerable space where unwanted

advances, catcalling, and even physical harassment occur. This highlights the need for

strict compliance and effective monitoring of the Safe Spaces Act, particularly among

public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and local authorities, who play a crucial role in

ensuring the law is upheld

 The Safe Spaces Act addresses gender-based harassment in various settings,

including public transportation, online platforms, commercial establishments,

workplaces, schools, and public streets. Through its Implementing Rules and

Regulations (IRR) and guidelines provided by relevant government agencies, the law

aims to create a safer, more dignified, and respectful environment for all individuals

in the Philippines.

Before the enactment of the Safe Spaces Act, there were laws addressing

sexual harassment, such as R.A. No. 7877, but their scope was limited. The Anti-

Sexual Harassment Act mainly focused on harassment within educational, training,

and work settings, where there was often a hierarchical relationship between the

victim and the perpetrator. In contrast, the Safe Spaces Act takes a broader, more

inclusive approach to addressing harassment across multiple contexts, recognizing the

need for comprehensive protection for all Filipinos.

Public transportation is a lifeline for many people, connecting them to work,

school, and essential services. However, it is also a space where many individuals,

especially women and members of the LGBTQ+ community, experience gender-

based sexual harassment (GBSH)—from catcalling and inappropriate remarks to more

serious offenses. The Safe Spaces Act (Republic Act No. 11313) was enacted to

protect everyone, regardless of gender, from these forms of harassment in public

spaces, including public transport. Despite this, many public utility vehicle (PUV)

drivers and operators remain unaware of their role in upholding this law, leading to

unintentional violations and a lack of intervention when incidents occur.

 For many commuters, riding a jeepney, tricycle, bus, or taxi should be a safe

and comfortable experience, but the reality is often different. It is not uncommon to

hear stories of passengers feeling uncomfortable, intimidated, or even scared due to

unwanted advances, persistent stares, inappropriate jokes, or offensive comments.

Unfortunately, without proper awareness and enforcement of the Safe Spaces Act,

these behaviors continue to persist, making public transportation an unsafe space for

many.

PUV drivers and operators are not just service providers—they are key players

in creating a safer commuting environment. The law clearly states that harassment in

public transport is punishable, and drivers and operators are expected to help prevent

and address such incidents. This includes posting visible signs against harassment,

cooperating with authorities, and ensuring that their vehicles remain safe spaces for

passengers. However, in places like Boac, Marinduque, the actual implementation of

these measures remains inconsistent, mainly due to limited knowledge, lack of

training, and weak enforcement mechanisms.

Given this, the researcher seeks to assess the level of awareness, compliance,

and challenges faced by PUV drivers and operators regarding the Safe Spaces Act in

Boac, Marinduque. By identifying gaps in knowledge and enforcement, this research

aims to propose strategies for enhancing public transport safety, ensuring that PUVs

become secure and harassment-free spaces for all passengers. The findings will

contribute to the development of educational programs, training workshops, and

policy improvements that will help transport stakeholders uphold the principles of RA

11313 effectively.
Statement of the Problem

This study aims to determine the Compliance and Monitoring Assessment in

the Implementation of R.A. No. 11313, also known as the Safe Spaces Act of 2019, in

the Municipality of Boac, Marinduque.

Specifically, this seek to answer the following questions:

Specifically, this sought to answer the following questions:

1. What is the extent of applying the knowledge of the PUV drivers on R.A.

11313?

2. What is the level of effectiveness of monitoring and enforcement

mechanism of local authorities and law enforcement agencies? (roles) upang ma

monitor yong mga pag papatupad

3. What are the challenges faced by PUV drivers in completely adhering to

R.A. 11313?

4. What are the recommendations for strengthening the implementation R.A.

11313?

5. What program interventions can be proposed by the researcher to adhere the

implementation of R.A 11313 both local authorities and PUV drivers?

Significance of the Study

The results of this study were beneficial to the following:

The Law-Making Bodies, it will help evaluate how well the law is being

followed, find areas that need improvement, and push for better policies to keep PUV

drivers and passengers safe. By understanding how the law is applied, lawmakers can

support efforts to strengthen protections and ensure better compliance.

For the Philippine National Police Personnel, this will help them formulate

different activities that would help reduce gender-based sexual harassment.

For the Law Enforcement Officers, this will be beneficial in creating plans to

provide a suitable solution that would help reduce gender-based sexual harassment in

public places, especially in public transportation.

For the Public Utility Vehicle Drivers, it will give important insights into the

Safe Spaces Act, a law that affects PUV drivers' work and interactions with

passengers. The Act protects against harassment, discrimination, and violence—

problems that drivers often face, like verbal abuse, threats, or physical assault.

Knowing these protections can help drivers understand their rights and take action

when needed, creating a safer and more respectful environment on the roads.

For the Community, they will be informed and raised understanding

regarding the different provisions of R.A. No. 11313.

For the Respondents, they will be informed and raised knowledge regarding

implementing the law preventing gender-based sexual harassment (GBSH),

specifically R.A. No.11313.

 For the Criminology Students – They will be encouraged to be interested in

the topic.

For the Future Researchers – The study will serve as their guide and

reference in conducting similar research on Human Rights.

Scope and Limitation

This study focuses on assessing the compliance and monitoring mechanisms

of RA 11313 in Boac, Marinduque. The respondents will include public utility

drivers, local authorities, and law enforcement agencies, as they play a crucial role in

ensuring safe public spaces and enforcing the law.

The study will examine the implementation of R.A. 11313 in municipality of

Boac, Marinduque, to know the level of effectiveness on monitoring and enforcement

mechanism of local authorities and law enforcement agencies, to know the challenges

faced by PUV drivers in completely adhering to R.A. 11313, to gather

recommendations for strengthening the implementation R.A. 11313 and proposing

program interventions to adhere the implementation of R.A 11313 both local

authorities and PUV drivers. This study will be conducted using a self-made

questionnaire.

Chapter II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

 This chapter presents the relevant literature and studies that the researcher

gathered and reviewed regarding variables associated with the compliance and

monitoring assessment in the implementation of R.A. 11313 also known as the Safe

Space Act of 2019.

Related Literature

Gender-Based Harassment

Section 1 of Protection from Harassment Act 1997 (Legislation.Gov.Uk,

2012), serves as a fundamental legal framework in preventing and penalizing acts of

harassment. It explicitly prohibits any course of conduct that amounts to harassment

and holds individuals accountable if they knew or ought to have known that their

actions constituted harassment. The law also extends to cases involving multiple

individuals, particularly when harassment is used as a means of coercion or

intimidation. A key feature of this law is the “reasonable person standard”, which

establishes that harassment is determined based on how a reasonable individual would

perceive the conduct given the same circumstances (Section 2). However, certain

exceptions are outlined in Section 3, such as cases where the conduct was pursued to

prevent or detect crime, comply with legal obligations, or was otherwise reasonable

under the circumstances.

According to ‌(Lubitow et al., 2020), studies on mobility justice show that

people from socially disadvantaged groups often face limited access to movement due

to inequalities in power and resources. In particular, gendered mobility research

highlights that public spaces, including public transportation, are structured in ways

that reinforce gender inequality. Women and gender minorities often face harassment,
discrimination, and violence in these spaces, making their daily commutes unsafe and

uncomfortable.

A study conducted in Portland, Oregon, involving 25 transgender and gender

nonconforming individuals, revealed that these groups frequently experience

harassment while using public transportation. This suggests that research on gender

and mobility should expand its focus beyond women and consider the experiences of

other gender minorities. The study also emphasizes the need for better policies to

ensure the safety and comfort of transgender and non-binary individuals in public

transport.

According to (Tiznado-Aitken et al., 2024), public transportation is essential

for providing people with access to important opportunities in society, such as work,

education, and social activities. However, studies show that many women experience

gender-based harassment and violence when using public transport, which limits their

mobility and sense of safety.

A study conducted in Santiago, Chile, examined the issue of gender-based

violence in public transportation, focusing on different travel stages—accessing,

riding, and leaving public transport. The researchers analyzed factors that contribute

to harassment, such as individual characteristics (age, gender, income), travel

behaviors (trip frequency and purpose), and location-based risks. The study used

statistical models to identify patterns of harassment, particularly sexual harassment,

which includes unwanted touching, filming, stalking, public masturbation, and even

rape.
 Findings revealed that 17.5% of respondents had experienced multiple

harassment incidents, with the most severe cases happening while traveling to and

from transport stations (8.6%) and inside buses (7.4%). The study also found that

women from low-income communities in the outskirts of the city faced a higher risk.

This suggests that harassment is not just about individual behavior but is also

influenced by location and economic status.

The study contributes to the broader discussion of transport justice by

highlighting how gender-based violence affects mobility, particularly for women. It

emphasizes the need for better policies to make public transportation safer and more

inclusive, preventing discrimination and ensuring equal access for all.

Ending Gender-Based Violence

According to (O’Leary & TSUI, 2025) violence remains one of the greatest

challenges facing society today. It affects homes and communities and can escalate

into larger conflicts. Studies have also linked climate-related disasters to increased

domestic violence, showing how interconnected social issues can be (Boddy et al.,

2024; Van Daalen et al., 2022).

Gender plays a crucial role in violence, both in terms of who commits it and

who becomes a victim. Most acts of violence are preventable, yet they continue due to

power imbalances, injustice, and a lack of accountability. Historically, the

responsibility of speaking out against violence has mostly fallen on women. However,
research suggests that addressing and preventing male violence is a key part of the

solution.

To prevent violence, communities must challenge everyday discrimination and

micro-aggression that contribute to larger cycles of harm. Social workers, regardless

of their specific field, play a vital role in advocating for change, promoting awareness,

and mobilizing communities toward a culture of nonviolence. By fostering hope and

action, society can work toward a future where violence is not seen as inevitable but

as something that can be stopped.

Gender-based violence is a criminal act that violates human rights, yet it is

preventable. Its root causes are linked to gender inequality, patriarchy, and gender

stereotypes, which intersect with factors such as economic inequality, discrimination,

racism, colonization, homophobia, transphobia, mental health, and substance abuse.

While activism over the past six decades has pushed gender-based violence from a

private issue to a public concern, many victims still struggle to access justice and

support.

Social work has played a crucial role in addressing gender-based violence

through intervention and prevention programs. However, more work is needed to

fully understand how gender-based violence connects with broader patterns of

violence, including armed conflicts and general homicide rates. Viewing gender-

based violence as a key driver of other forms of violence can help develop stronger,

more effective prevention strategies. Social workers remain central to this effort,

advocating for a holistic approach to ending violence in all its forms.

Local Literature

The Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313) and Its Implementation

According to (Safe Spaces Act IRR Signed | Philippine Commission on

Women, n.d.), the Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313), also known as the “Bawal Bastos

Law,” was enacted to address gaps in existing laws on sexual harassment by

extending protection to public spaces, online platforms, workplaces, and educational

institutions. Unlike the older Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995 (RA 7877), which

only covered cases involving individuals in positions of authority, the Safe Spaces

Act recognizes that harassment can occur between peers, subordinates, and even in

anonymous public interactions.

The law criminalizes various forms of gender-based harassment, including

catcalling, wolf-whistling, leering, misogynistic remarks, and online harassment. It

also mandates strict responsibilities for employers, school administrators, and local

government units in ensuring a safe environment. Agencies such as the Metropolitan

Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and

the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) are tasked

with enforcing these provisions.

Despite these legal measures, changing societal attitudes remains a challenge.

Government officials emphasize the need for public awareness and cultural

transformation to ensure the law's effectiveness. Initiatives such as increased

surveillance, education campaigns, and bystander intervention programs are being

implemented to create safer spaces for women and other vulnerable groups.

This law serves as an essential framework for addressing gender-based

harassment, but its success depends on consistent enforcement and public

cooperation. Future research can assess its impact and explore further strategies for

improving gender safety in public and online spaces.

Implementation of the Safe Spaces Act in Public Transportation

According to Marcelino, A. (2023, October), the Land Transportation

Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has taken steps to enforce the Safe

Spaces Act (RA 11313) within public transportation through the initiative “Oplan

Tuldukan ang Karahasan.” This campaign aims to prevent gender-based harassment

in public utility vehicles (PUVs) and transport terminals by raising awareness and

imposing strict penalties on violators.

As part of the implementation, LTFRB officials placed “Bawal ang Bastos”

stickers on public buses, jeepneys, and taxis, displaying a hotline (1342) where

passengers can report harassment incidents. According to LTFRB Memorandum

Circular No. 2023-016, penalties for offenders vary depending on their role. Drivers,

conductors, and transport employees found guilty of harassment face fines ranging

from ₱5,000 to ₱15,000, as well as the suspension or cancellation of their vehicle’s

franchise. Those who fail to report or prevent incidents may also be penalized.

This initiative highlights the government's commitment to making public

transportation safer, reinforcing the importance of awareness, accountability, and

strict law enforcement. Future studies may explore the effectiveness of these measures

and their impact on reducing gender-based harassment in public transit systems.

Alcantara and Stephen (2023) examined the implementation of Republic Act

7877 (Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995) at the University of the Philippines

Manila College of Arts and Sciences (UP Manila CAS) since the second semester of

A.Y. 2019-2020. Their study focused on defining sexual harassment, identifying its

forms within the university, and assessing the effectiveness of existing policies and

programs.

Using qualitative methods, including interviews with students, gender

officials, and student organizations, the study found that cyber, verbal, and physical

harassment were the most common forms of sexual harassment at UP Manila CAS.

While the university follows the UP ASH Code and the Implementing Rules and

Regulations (IRR) of RA 7877, findings revealed that many students were unaware of

these policies, distrusted officials, and found the complaint process bureaucratic and

discouraging. The study concluded that current anti-sexual harassment measures at

UP Manila CAS are ineffective due to poor information dissemination, weak security,

and inefficient procedures, leading to continued under-reporting of incidents.

Mateo-Babiano et al. (2020) conducted a study on sexual harassment in public

transit among college students in Manila, Philippines. Their survey of 316 students

revealed that 43% experienced sexual harassment, yet 85% of victims did not report

the incident. The findings showed that harassment was most common among female

students (51%), followed by male (32%) and LGBTQI students (15%).

 The study also highlighted common precautionary measures taken by women,

such as dressing conservatively, waiting in well-lit areas, and avoiding high-risk

transit stops. These results emphasize the need for further research and improved

safety measures in public transportation to address harassment and ensure safer travel

for all passengers.

Related Studies
 Conceptual Framework

The framework in Figure 1 shows a picture or preview of the study to easily

understand the flow of the study.

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

1. Extent knowledge of PUV Proposed

intervention on
drivers on R.A. 11313. -Distribution of
questionnaires the study to
- Conduct of improve the
2. Level of effectiveness on
interview using knowledge of
monitoring and enforcement the interview
public utility
guide.
mechanism of local authorities vehicle drivers
- Retrieval of
and law enforcement agencies. questionnaires and passengers

- Tabulation, on the
3. Challenges faced by PUV analysis and implementation
interpretation of
drivers in completely adhering to of R.A. No.
the data
11313.
R.A. 11313.

4. Recommendations for

strengthening the

implementation R.A. 11313.

5. Suggested Program

interventions that can be

proposed by the researcher to

adhere the implementation of

R.A 11313 both local authorities

and PUV drivers.

 Figure 1. Research Paradigm

Figure 1 illustrates the Input, Process, and Output of the research endeavor. As

per this framework, the initial section encompasses the articulation of the study's

problem. Throughout the research, the investigator will engage in diverse activities

such as conducting interviews based on prepared guides, collecting questionnaires,

and ultimately organizing, analyzing, and deciphering recent data. Consequently, the

suggested intervention materializes as the culmination of the study.

Definition of Terms

Compliance. It refers to the action or fact of complying with a wish or command

R.A. No. 11313. Safe Spaces Act refers to the related legislation typically aims to

establish environments where individuals feel protected from harassment,

discrimination, or abuse based on factors such as gender, sexual orientation, race,

religion, disability, or other protected characteristics.

Implementation.
 Chapter III

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents the methods used by the researcher in employing the

study, the research design, the research locale, population and sample, the sampling

technique and the research instruments.

Research Design

To determine the level of knowledge of the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV)

drivers and passengers in the Municipality of Boac, Marinduque on Republic Act No.

11313, known as the Safe Spaces Act of 2019, the researcher used a descriptive

method of research.

Given that the descriptive research design was utilized to collect and analyze

quantitative data. This technique focused on addressing questions about the “what”

rather than the “why” of the research topic. From this research design, the researcher

sought to probe for the significance of the relationship between two or more factors or

characteristics (Stangor and Walinga, 2019). Descriptive research simply outlines the

characteristics of the subject or the area of interest, so the technique was appropriate

for this study.

Research Locale

This study will be conducted in the Municipality of Boac, the heart of the Philippines,

Province of Marinduque. Marinduque, is a peaceful island province in the

MIMAROPA Region, lies southeast of Luzon, surrounded by the serene waters of

Tayabas Bay. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and deep-rooted

cultural traditions, Marinduque is a place where history and nature blend seamlessly.
At the center of it all is Boac, the provincial capital and largest municipality. Boac is

more than just a political and economic hub—it is a living testament to the province’s

colonial past, with its well-preserved ancestral houses, historic churches, and iconic

landmarks that tell stories of Spanish influence. Beyond its architecture, Boac comes

alive through its vibrant festivals and local traditions, bringing together communities

in celebration of their shared heritage.

Boac is also the pulse of trade, commerce, and governance in Marinduque. Its

economy thrives on agriculture, fishing, tourism, and small-scale industries. The

town's strategic location makes it the focal point of public transportation, where PUV

(public utility vehicle) drivers serve as the lifeline of daily commuting. These drivers

do more than just transport passengers; they witness the everyday flow of life, the

interactions between people, and the dynamics of public spaces. Their experiences

provide valuable insights into how Republic Act No. 11313, also known as the Safe

Spaces Act of 2019, is being implemented in the community.

By focusing on Boac and its PUV drivers, this study seeks to understand not only

the technical aspects of compliance and monitoring but also the lived realities of those

who navigate its streets every day. The researcher will conduct a study in the

Municipality of Boac, because, as a concerned citizen and being the Boac is the

capital of Marinduque, he wishes to learn more if both local authorities and PUV

drivers adhere to the implementation of R.A 11313 also known as the Safe Space Act

of 2019.
 Figure 2. Map of Marinduque
Source: google.com

Research Population and Sample

The respondents of the study consist of Public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers.

The first group consists of 437 public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers, composed of: 353

tricycle drivers, and 84 jeepney drivers in the Municipality of Boac, Marinduque. The

second group consists of passengers who use public transportation. However, there

was no specific list of passengers available in the Municipality of Boac, Marinduque.

To arrive at this computation the Slovin Formula is used to get the target sample of

168 tricycle drivers and 39 jeepney drivers, with a total sample of 207 public utility

vehicle (PUV) drivers. Additionally, the researcher used the Convenience Sampling

Technique suggested by his statistician to somehow reduce the 207-sample population

because the researcher was unable to achieve 207 respondents due to financial

problems. 75 the total public utility PUV drivers’ participants were selected by the

researcher as suggested by his statistician. Since no list of the total number of

passengers is available and the sample size of the public utility vehicle drivers is 75,
the research statistician suggests that an equal number of drivers and passengers will

allow for a balanced comparison of their knowledge regarding Republic Act No.

11313 also known as the safe Spaces Act of 2019. Thus, the researcher used a

convenience sampling technique and selected 75, as a sample size for the passenger.

Additionally, the researcher used convenience sampling for the respondents who were

willing and available to participate in the research. According to (Nikolopoulou, 2023,

Convenience sampling is a non-probability sampling method where units are selected

for inclusion of samples because they are the easiest for the researcher to access. This

can be due to geographical proximity, availability at a given time, or willingness to

participate in the research.