Mandaue mulls safe spaces office

CEBU, Philippines — As part of efforts to strengthen the city’s Gender and Development (GAD) program, the Mandaue City government is planning to establish a dedicated office that will handle complaints involving sexual harassment and violations of the Safe Spaces Act.

A proposed ordinance seeking the creation of the office, authored by Councilor Carlo Fortuna, chairman of the Committee on Laws and Ordinances, was approved on first reading during the City Council’s regular session on Monday, July 6.

If enacted, the office will be tasked with receiving and investigating complaints filed by City Hall employees against government officials and fellow employees accused of violating the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act and the Safe Spaces Act.

“Any complaints involving officials, employees that may have violated the anti-sexual harassment law and Safe Spaces Act ang kana nga office maoy mo-investigate,” Fortuna said.

According to Fortuna, the office will have investigatory powers and will also recommend appropriate disciplinary measures based on the outcome of its investigation.

“They can investigate, so kung dunay mga complaint sa empleyado against sa officials or fellow employee then that office will investigate,” he added.

The office may recommend sanctions, including suspension or dismissal from service, if its findings warrant such penalties.

Fortuna said the proposed office will be headed by a lawyer, while the remaining members of the investigation team will be designated by the Office of the Mayor through an administrative order.

He clarified, however, that any recommendations issued by the office will remain subject to the review and approval of the mayor in accordance with Civil Service rules.

The councilor said the proposal aims to provide victims of sexual harassment with easier access to relief, legal remedies, and protection under the city’s GAD initiatives.

“This is part of the implementation of Gender and Development program to ensure nga dunay access to relief, remedy, and protection of any victims of sexual harassment or victims of violations of Safe Spaces Act,” Fortuna said.

He emphasized that the city government is committed to taking complaints of sexual harassment seriously.

“We do not take things lightly sa complaints against sexual harassment,” he said.

Fortuna added that the proposed office follows a structure similar to those adopted by private companies, where complaints involving workplace misconduct are addressed through a dedicated office or human resources mechanism.

He also assured that complaints involving sexual harassment and Safe Spaces Act violations will be handled with strict confidentiality to protect everyone involved in the investigation.

“We will not take things lightly because if you want to give more teeth to anti-sexual harassment law, give more teeth to the safe spaces law then you create an office,” he said. — /MRM (FREEMAN)