Bits of Law

In an increasingly interconnected society, the protection of privacy must keep pace with technological and societal developments. The Philippines continues to build its framework, balancing the right to access information with the right to be left alone. As we observe PAW, it is essential to remember that privacy is more than just a legal concept—it is a fundamental human right that empowers autonomy, dignity, and freedom.

“For a woman who wishes to revert to the use of her maiden name, [she will need] a duly authenticated birth certificate by the PSA: Provided, That she can only revert to her maiden name once and all her other existing identification cards and pertinent documents shall likewise reflect her maiden name,” states Section 5 (f) of the Republic Act 11983, otherwise known as the New Philippine Passport Act or New Passport Law.

It’s election season once again for the Philippines, and in this midterm election, the Filipino vote will elect over 18,000 officials at the national and local levels. As such, our understanding of our electoral rights and their legal basis is essential and highlighted especially for voters to protect their right to choose leaders freely, fairly, and wisely.

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in creative fields has raised complex legal questions regarding authorship, originality, and ownership. While it may be conceded that copyright laws worldwide generally require human authorship, AI-generated works pose a great challenge against traditional legal frameworks. This has been manifested in different jurisdictions have taken varying approaches, leading to legal uncertainty.

In celebration of Solo Parents Week, we look at the legal framework that reinforces the rights and entitlements of solo parents under RA 11861. Signed into law in June 04 2022, the measure builds on the foundation of RA 8972, or the Solo Parents Welfare Act, and reflects a more robust and responsive approach to modern family realities.

In the Philippines, benefits come in taxable and non-taxable forms. De minimis benefits are small, non-taxable (neither by income, withholding, nor fringe) compensation/perks given by employers that aim to enhance employee wellbeing and morale per Section 2.78.1 of the Revenue Regulations No. 02-98 (RR No. 2-98), as amended by RR No. 11-18, and Section 33(C) of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1977 (NIRC), as amended by the by the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law.

Those who make a living solely through compensation income usually don’t have to worry about filing their own income tax returns, as their employer handles it for them. However, many people aspire to gain income from multiple sources, such as freelancing. If you’re thinking of doing the same, you must first learn about the basics of filing an income tax return.

Trigger warning: This blog mentions physical and sexual violence against women and children. In the 2024 Women and Men Fact Sheet released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), results showed a disturbing number of 19,228 women aged 15-49 have experienced various forms of physical and sexual violence. This 2022 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) by the PSA tells of an alarming fact that violence against women and children (VAWC) persists in the Philippines. As of February 2024, there was a total of 16.9% increase in the cases reported to the Philippine National Police Crime Information, Reporting and Analysis System (PNP CIRAS) from 11,307 cases in 2022 to 13,213 cases in 2023. A number of 7,161 cases in 2022 and 7,764 in 2023 (8.4% increase) are violations against Republic Act No. 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004. Additionally, 2,191 cases (1,575 girls and 616 boys) of child abuse or violence against children were reportedly served by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in 2023. This is a 39.4% decrease from the previous 3,616 cases in 2022, however, the point stands that this is still a serious problem in the country. “Violence against women (VAW) appears as one of the country’s pervasive social problems,” said the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), the government-mandated agency at the center of women’s and children’s rights supervision, enforcement, and protection.  As such, this Women’s Month and the upcoming celebration of Girl Child Week per Proclamation No. 759, s. of 1996, awareness of women’s and children’s rights and the laws that protect them is once again underscored. Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004 (RA 9262) The Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004, or simply the Anti-VAWC Act, seeks to recognize and address the need to protect the family and its members particularly women and children, from violence and threats to their safety and security. According to the UN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women in 1993, VAW is “any act of gender-based violence that results in or is likely to result in physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public and private life. Gender-based violence is any violence inflicted on women because of their sex.” Following this and other international human rights instruments to which the Philippines is a party, the Anti-VAWC Act defines ‘violence against women and children’ as any act or a series of acts committed by any person  which result in or is likely to result in physical, sexual, psychological harm or suffering, or economic abuse What is considered VAWC under the Anti-VAWC Act? VAWC includes: Likewise, Section 5 of the Act clarifies which acts qualify as a crime of VAWC. These include the following: Penalties against violations and crimes under Anti-VAWC Act The penalties of committing an act listed in RA 9262 vary and depend on the severity of the act. Act of Violence Duration of Penalty Attempt to harm the victim 1 month and 1 day – 6 months  Place the victim in fear of imminent physical harm 1 month and 1 day – 6 months Threaten to or does self-harm to control the victim’s actions or decisions 1 month and 1 day – 6 months Restrict the victim from doing something through force or intimidation 6 months and 1 day – 6 years Force the victim into doing something through force or intimidation 6 months and 1 day – 6 years Attempt to or do any form of sexual violence on the victim 6 years and 1 day – 12 years Cause emotional or psychological distress to the victim through behaviors such as stalking, destroying the victims property, etc. 6 years and 1 day – 12 years Cause mental or emotional anguish, public ridicule, or humiliation to the victim 6 years and 1 day – 12 years If the acts are committed while the woman or child is pregnant or committed in the presence of her child, the penalty to be applied shall be the maximum period of penalty prescribed in the section. In addition to imprisonment, the perpetrator shall pay a fine of not less than P100,000.00, but not more than ₱300,000.00. He or she must also undergo mandatory psychological counseling or psychiatric treatment and shall report compliance to the court. Protection Orders While a victim can file a case against his or her perpetrator for his or her act of violence, it doesn’t guarantee with certainty that the perpetrator won’t endanger the victim again. To prevent this from happening, the victim can apply for a protection order.  A protection order prevents further acts of violence against a woman or her child. It also provides these victims other forms of necessary relief. A protection order aims to safeguard the victim from further harm, minimizes disruption in the victim’s daily life, and facilitates the victim’s opportunity and ability to independently regain control over her life. There are three types of protection orders that may be issued under this Act: the barangay protection order (BPO), temporary protection order (TPO) and permanent protection order (PPO). Barangay Protection Orders, or BPOs, refer to the protection order issued by the Punong Barangay ordering the perpetrator to desist. A Punong Barangay shall issue the protection order to the applicant on the date of filing. If the Punong Barangay is unavailable to act on the BPO application, the application shall be acted upon by any available Barangay Kagawad. BPOs are effective for fifteen days. Temporary Protection Orders, or TPOs, refer to the protection order issued by the court on the date of filing of the application. They are effective for thirty days. The court shall also schedule a hearing on the issuance of a PPO prior to or on the TPO’s expiration date.  Permanent Protection Orders, or PPOs, refer to protection orders issued by the court after a notice and hearing. The court

On Tuesday, March 11, 2025, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) released a statement backing the Senate Bill (SB) No. 2897 which sought to amend Republic Act (RA) No. 11313, otherwise known as the Safe Spaces Act or the Bawal Bastos law, to strengthen and widen its scope. The SB 2897 aims to widen the scope of ‘public spaces’ (Sec. 3 (g)) to include: in addition to: The bill likewise expands gender-based online sexual harassment to include artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies; and introduces the concept of ‘grooming’ as sexual harassment.   According to a 2020 post by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), 58% of harassments occurs outside and 70% of them happen during broad daylight. In the 2021 Lloyd’s Register Foundation-Gallup polls survey, as cited by the Women Workers United, around 1 in 5 Filipino workers experience harassment in the workplace—22% of which are women and 18% are men who have experienced workplace violence and harassment.  Meanwhile, in the 2024 Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW), the PCW released the reported VAW Cases statistics from 2016 to 2023, with 1,031 cases being violations against the Safe Spaces Act. The Safe Spaces Act, as well as the SB 2897, underscores the persisting problem of harassment against any persons, but especially women, children, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and the need to continually address and improve the protection against gender-based and sexual harassment.  Here’s what you need to know about the Safe Spaces Act and SB 2897. What is the Safe Spaces Act (Bawal Bastos Law)? Signed into law in 2019, the Safe Spaces Act or the Bawal Bastos Law aims to define and punish catcalling and other forms of gender-based sexual harassment (GBSH). Its Declaration of Policy states that it “recognizes that both men and women must have equality, security and safety not only in private, but also on the streets, public spaces, online, workplaces and educational and training institutions.” Under the Safe Spaces Act, GBSH is classified into: Gender-based Streets and Public Spaces Sexual Harassment The crimes under this classification are committed through any unwanted and uninvited sexual actions or remarks against any person regardless of the motive for committing such action or remarks (Sec. 4). They include: ‘Verbal’ GBSH 1st offense Twelve (12) hours community service inclusive of Gender Sensitivity Training (GST) and PHP 1,000 fine 2nd offense Imprisonment of 6 -10 days or PHP 3,000 fine 3rd offense Imprisonment of 11 – 30 days and PHP 10,000 fine ‘Gestural and ‘Demonstrated’ GBSH 1st offense Twelve (12) hours community service inclusive of GST and PHP 10,000 fine 2nd offense Imprisonment of 11 – 30 days or PHP 15,000 fine 3rd offense Imprisonment of 1 month and 1 day to 9 months and PHP 20,000 fine GBSH through stalking, and physical advances such as any touching, pinching, or brushing against the genitalia 1st offense Imprisonment of 11 – 30 days or a fine of PHP 30,000 provided that it includes attendance in a GST to be conducted by PNP in coordination with LGU and PCW 2nd offense Imprisonment of 1 month and 1 day to 6 months or PHP 50,000 fine 3rd offense Imprisonment of 4 months and 1 day to 6 months or PHP 100,000 fine Additional if the perpetrator is a driver or operator of a PUV Cancellation of license of the driver by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) Suspension or revocation of franchise by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). This sanction may be imposed upon order by the proper court OR upon order of LTO/LTFRB in an administrative proceeding If the perpetrator is a minor The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) shall take necessary disciplinary measures as provided for under Republic Act No. 9344, otherwise known as the “Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006″. List of penalties for gender-based sexual harassment (GBSH) in streets and public spaces under RA 11313 Article I, Sec. 11(a)(b)(c); format from Philippine Commission on Women (PCW). Where can victims of GBSH in streets and public spaces reach out for help? In all cases Local Government Unit via local Anti-Sexual Harassment (ASH) hotlineNearest police precinct through their Women and Children’s Protection DesksLocal Social Welfare and Development OfficePublic Attorney’s Office subject to PAO’s Persons Qualified for Legal Assistance Streets, roads, alleyways, parks Local traffic enforcer PUVs by a driver or operator of PUV  Local Traffic Enforcer, LTO, LTFRB Close proximity to the LGU Hall Anti-Sexual Harassment (ASH) Desk Officer of the LGU (Provincial, Municipal, City, or Barangay) Malls, Bars, Public Establishments ASH Officer designated by operator of Malls, Bars, Public Establishments(e.g. security officers) List of authorities a victim can reach in case of GBSH in streets and public spaces according to RA 11313; format from Philippine Commission on Women (PCW). Gender-Based Online Sexual Harassment The crimes under this classification include acts that use information and communications technology in terrorizing and intimidating victims through: In general Corrective prison (prision correccional) in its medium period or a fine of not less than PHP 100,000.00 but not more than PHP 500,000.00, or both, at the discretion of the court If the perpetrator is a juridical person License or franchise shall be automatically deemed revoked, and the persons liable shall be the officers thereof, including the editor or reporter in the case of print media, and the station manager, editor and broadcaster in the case of broadcast media If the perpetrator is a foreigner (alien) Subjected to deportation proceedings after serving sentence and payment of fines. List of penalties for perpetrators of online GBSH according to RA 11313 and PCW. Where can victims of online GBSH reach out for help? The PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNPACG) as National Operational Support Unit of the PNP, in collaboration with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), is responsible for the implementation and enforcement of Philippine laws on cybercrime. They receive complaints about GBSH and develop online mechanisms for reporting real-time online GBSH and apprehending the perpetrators. Victims can

According to the 2024 World Economic Forum (WEF), the Philippines is the most gender-equal country in Asia with a gender parity score of 77.9% (0.779 out of 1) and ranking 25th out of 146 countries. Along with New Zealand, it is the only country from East Asia and the Pacific to have made the global top 10 due to its sustained efforts in adopting and enacting legal frameworks that aim to safeguard and empower women’s rights in Philippine society. One such legal framework, the holy grail of women’s rights law in the Philippines, is Republic Act 9710, better known as the Magna Carta of Women (MCW). Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo signed it into law on August 14, 2009. What is the Magna Carta of Women (MCW)? Entitled the “Magna Carta of Women” and not “Magna Carta for Women” to highlight women’s participation and ownership of the bill, the MCW is the Philippines’ affirmation of the protection and empowerment of women in the country who continue to be marginalized and discriminated against in our society.  Its Declaration of Policy (Sec. 2) states that “the State affirms the role of women in nation building and ensures the substantive equality of women and men. It shall promote empowerment of women and pursue equal opportunities for women and men and ensure equal access to resources and to development results and outcome,” and that “the State realizes that equality of men and women entails the abolition of the unequal structures and practices that perpetuate discrimination and inequality.” The MCW upholds the provisions of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and other international instruments consistent with Philippine law in condemning and eliminating discrimination against women and underscoring women’s rights as human rights. What is discrimination against women? Sec. 4, Chapter II defines ‘discrimination against women’ as: (1) any gender-based distinction, exclusion, or restriction which has the effect or purpose of impairing or nullifying the recognition, enjoyment, or exercise by women, irrespective of their marital status, on a basis of equality of men and women, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural, civil or any other field;  (2) any act or omission, including by law, policy, administrative measure, or practice, that directly or indirectly excludes or restricts women in the recognition and promotion of their rights and their access to and enjoyment of opportunities, benefits, or privileges;  (3) a measure or practice of general application that fails to provide for mechanisms to offset or address sex or gender-based disadvantages or limitations of women, as a result of which women are denied or restricted in the recognition and protection of their rights and their access to and enjoyment of opportunities, benefits, or privileges; or women, more than men are shown to have suffered the greater adverse effects of those measures or practices; and  (4) discrimination compounded by or intersecting with other grounds, status, or condition, such as ethnicity, age, poverty, or religion. MCW safeguards women from discrimination by having the State fulfill its duties through law, policy, regulatory instruments, administrative guidelines, and other appropriate measures, including temporary special measures. What are the women’s rights under MCW? Under Chapter IV, the following are the rights of women to be enjoyed without discrimination: What are the rights of women in marginalized sectors? Meanwhile, Chapter V outlines the rights of women in marginalized sectors. The MCW defines ‘marginalization’ as “a condition where a whole category of people is excluded from useful and meaningful participation in political, economic, social, and cultural life,” and consequently, the ‘marginalized’ as “the basic, disadvantaged, or vulnerable persons or groups who are mostly living in poverty and have little or no access to land and other resources, basic social and economic services such as health care, education, water and sanitation, employment and livelihood opportunities, housing, social security, physical infrastructure, and the justice system” such as: Women in these sectors are guaranteed all civil, political, social, and economic rights recognized, promoted, and protected under existing laws including, but not limited to, the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act, the Urban Development and Housing Act, the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law, the Fisheries Code, the Labor Code, the Migrant Workers Act, the Solo Parents Welfare Act, and the Social Reform and Poverty Alleviation Act. According to the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), under the MCW women in marginalized sectors are entitled to: Implementation of MCW Because the law is the Philippines’ commitment to the rights of our women, the Government, its agencies, and other government-owned and controlled bodies, as well as private sectors and individuals shall not only contribute but also adhere to the recognition, respect, and promotion of women’s rights and abide by the rule of law. At the core of this law is the PCW, formerly called the National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women, which is tasked with the overall monitoring and supervision of the MCW’s implementation. It is the primary policy-making and coordinating body for women and gender equality concerns in the Philippines. (Sec. 36 & 38) In consonance with the MCW and the PCW, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is the Gender and Development Ombud that ensures the promotion and protection of women’s human rights. (Sec. 39) The Commission on Audit (COA) is tasked to conduct an annual audit on the use of the Gender and Development (GAD) budget to determine its judicious use and the efficiency, and effectiveness of interventions in addressing gender issues toward the realization of the objectives of the country’s commitments, plans, and policies on women empowerment, gender equality, and GAD. (Sec. 36(a)) Violation of MCW No one is above MCW and anyone who violates it shall be held liable under its mandate and provisions.   According to the PCW, the Commission on Human Rights shall recommend sanctions under administrative law, civil service, or other appropriate laws to the Civil Service Commission (CSC) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). For instance, in the case