The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) underscored the critical role of local government units (LGUs) in protecting victims of gender-based sexual harassment through the effective implementation of the Safe Spaces Act, stressing that local Anti-Sexual Harassment (ASH) Desks serve as frontline mechanisms for accessible, timely, and victim-centered assistance.

Speaking during the recent DILG KAPihan, Assistant Secretary Atty. Brian Mey R. Tomas said LGUs are mandated under the law to establish ASH Desks, designate Anti-Sexual Harassment Enforcers, and put in place reporting mechanisms that ensure victims can safely seek assistance.

“Maraming obligasyon ang mga LGU sa ilalim ng batas na ito bilang mga primary enforcers,” Tomas said.

Latest DILG monitoring data showed that 1,175 cities and municipalities and 27,264 barangays nationwide have established ASH Desks, while 25,887 Anti-Sexual Harassment Enforcers have been designated to support local implementation of the law.

Tomas emphasized that the Safe Spaces Act protects all individuals from gender-based sexual harassment, including members of the LGBTQIA+ community, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics (SOGIESC).

“Kung makaranas sila ng harassment dahil sa kanilang sexual orientation or gender expression, pasok ito sa Safe Spaces Act, kaya puwede silang magsumbong sa ilalim ng batas na ito,” he said.

He added that acts of harassment motivated by a person’s SOGIESC are covered by the law and may be reported through ASH Desks and other established reporting mechanisms. He likewise noted that local anti-discrimination ordinances enacted by several LGUs further strengthen protection by providing additional legal remedies against discrimination.

According to Tomas, ASH Desks are intended to provide safe, accessible, and responsive avenues for victims to report cases of gender-based sexual harassment and seek appropriate assistance.

The Assistant Secretary said the DILG continues to monitor LGU compliance with the Safe Spaces Act while supporting local governments through capacity-building initiatives and information campaigns to ensure the law is properly implemented.

He also observed that despite the enactment of the Safe Spaces Act in 2019, some local officials and frontline implementers still need a better understanding of what constitutes sexual harassment and their responsibilities under the law.

“Medyo marami pa tayong kailangang ipaintindi tungkol sa nature ng anti-bastos law. Kasi ito ay comparatively bagong regulation. Pero importante na maintindihan nila hindi lang kung ano yung dapat nilang gawin, kundi kung bakit may ganitong batas in the first place,” Tomas said.

The DILG likewise encouraged individuals who experience gender-based sexual harassment to report incidents through their respective LGU ASH Desks and other appropriate reporting channels.

By strengthening local implementation of the Safe Spaces Act and enhancing public awareness, the Department said LGUs can help foster safer, more inclusive, and gender-responsive communities across the country.