PRESS RELEASE
WDC-83-2025
15 December 2025
Embassy Press and Information Section
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C., through the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), conducted a virtual seminar on the Safe Spaces Act on 2 December 2025 as part of the observance of the 18-Day Campaign to end violence against women. It was attended by twenty-five (25) overseas Filipinos from the US and Caribbean islands.
In his message, Labor Attaché Saul de Vries highlighted the significance of the 18-day campaign, which is meant to raise public awareness on the negative implications of violence to women’s physical, mental and reproductive health. He also noted that the Safe Spaces Act (SSA) is an important law that helps create a safe environment for women.
Atty. Pingki Bartolome-Bernabe, President of the International Pro Bono Alliance (IPBA), served as the resource speaker and delivered a comprehensive presentation on the SSA, also known as the Bawal Bastos Law. She guided the participants through the law’s key provisions, highlighting its broad scope in protecting individuals from gender-based sexual harassment in public spaces, workplaces, educational institutions, and online environments.
Atty. Bartolome-Bernabe emphasized the importance of awareness and early intervention in recognizing, preventing, and addressing all forms of harassment. She also discussed the penalties prescribed under the law, noting that sanctions increase according to the nature, severity, and frequency of the offense. She underscored the law’s role in reinforcing accountability among all stakeholders, including law enforcers, and in promoting a culture of safety, respect, and dignity for all.
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PHOTO RELEASE
WDC-361-2025
15 December 2025
