The Civil Service Commission (CSC) directed government agencies to intensify the campaign against sexual harassment in the workplace in line with the celebration of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) from 25 November to 12 December 2023.
CSC Chairperson Karlo Nograles noted that an alarming rate of 22.8% of employees worldwide, including the Philippines, have experienced violence and harassment at work, based on the study conducted by the International Labour Organization, Lloyd’s Register Foundation, and analytics company Gallup. The study showed that women were slightly more likely than men to have experienced violence and harassment.
“We need to recognize that gender-based sexual harassment is real, and it is still happening not just on the streets but also in the workplace. Our duty as civil servants is to prioritize and intensify the implementation of laws, policies, and programs that make our workplaces a safe and secure environment for women to flourish and succeed,” reminded Chairperson Nograles.
He called on government agencies to intensify the implementation of CSC Resolution No. 2100064 (Revised Administrative Disciplinary Rules on Sexual Harassment Cases), which amended provisions of the 2017 Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service, pertaining to the offense of sexual harassment committed by government officials and employees.
The amendment was intended to harmonize CSC rules with the provisions of Republic Act No. 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act (Bawal Bastos Law) and its Implementing Rules and Regulations.
CSC Resolution No. 2100064 requires heads of agencies or other persons of authority, influence or moral ascendancy to prevent the occurrence of any form of sexual harassment in the workplace, and to take immediate action on complaints filed. Heads of agencies shall also ensure the widest dissemination of the law and rules to all persons in the workplace and institute preventive measures against sexual harassment including the conduct of anti-sexual harassment seminars, and gender sensitivity trainings to all employees, among others.
“More than an HR issue, violence against women is also a public health problem as it impacts a woman’s attitudes and sense of self, affecting her welfare and productivity at home, at work, and even in the community. Our awareness and compassion will come a long way in the success of our mission to make our communities a safe space for all.”
Heads of agencies must create a Committee on Decorum and Investigation (CODI), an independent internal mechanism to address and investigate complaints of sexual harassment. The CODI shall be composed of at least one representative from the management, supervisory staff, rank-and-file employees, and the respective union/s or employees association, if any. It shall be headed by a woman, and at least half of its members should be women.
The CODI is given ten (10) days from the termination of the investigation to submit its findings with recommendations to the disciplining authority for decision, averting possible delays in verifying the allegations in the complaint while maintaining confidentiality and observing due process.
Furthermore, they must ensure the protection of a complainant from retaliation without causing her/him any disadvantage, diminution of benefits or displacement, and without compromising his/her security of tenure.
The administrative offense of sexual harassment may be classified as light, less grave, and grave. A government official or employee found guilty of the administrative offense of sexual harassment may be meted out a penalty ranging from reprimand, suspension, and dismissal from the service, depending on the gravity of the acts committed.
Meanwhile, heads of agencies who fail to create a CODI or take action on complaints filed shall be charged with Neglect of Duty.
“More than an HR issue, violence against women is also a public health problem as it impacts a woman’s attitudes and sense of self, affecting her welfare and productivity at home, at work, and even in the community. Our awareness and compassion will come a long way in the success of our mission to make our communities a safe space for all,” said Chairperson Nograles.
