Davao City Officials Denounce Alleged Taxi Sexual Harassment, Demand Immediate Action
In a powerful display of civic leadership, Davao City councilors have publicly condemned a disturbing incident where a taxi driver allegedly sexually harassed a student passenger. The officials described this event as a stark reminder of the persistent dangers that women and children continue to face in public transportation and urban spaces throughout the region.
Councilors Frame Incident as Criminal Violation of City's Values
Councilor Pamela Librado-Morata, who chairs the Committee on Civil, Political, and Human Rights, emphasized during her privilege speech at the Sangguniang Panlungsod on Tuesday, January 27, that this was not merely an isolated incident but a serious crime. She connected it directly to Davao City's established reputation for gender-responsive governance, which earned the city the prestigious Galing Pook Award back in 2005.
"This distinction obligates us to act decisively and consistently with our commitment to protect women and children," Librado-Morata declared, underscoring the municipal government's responsibility to uphold its standards.
Echoing this sentiment, Councilor Richlyn Justol Baguilod, chair of the Committee on Women, Children, and Family Relations, highlighted the broader societal implications. She stated that the case reflects a "larger and painful truth" about the prevalence of sexual harassment that many young women and students encounter in public areas.
"No child should be made to feel unsafe, violated, and demeaned on her way to school or home. No uniform should ever become an invitation for abuse. This behavior is unacceptable, unlawful, and deeply corrosive to the dignity we strive to uphold as a society," Baguilod asserted during the council session.
Legal Framework and Calls for Criminal Prosecution
Councilor Librado-Morata clarified that the taxi driver's actions constitute Gender-Based Sexual Harassment in Streets and Public Spaces under Section 4 of Republic Act No. 11313, commonly known as the Safe Spaces Act or Bawal Bastos Law. This legislation specifically penalizes harassment occurring in various settings, including online platforms, workplaces, and educational institutions.
She commended the victim for her courage in speaking out about the traumatic experience, noting that such bravery helps raise public awareness about ongoing risks in communal areas. Librado-Morata stressed that this underscores the necessity for relentless local government action to create and maintain genuinely safe environments for all citizens.
In response to the incident, Librado-Morata urged the city to take immediate steps to file criminal charges against the driver under the provisions of the Bawal Bastos Law. She outlined several key mandates for local governments under this legislation:
- Pass a corresponding local ordinance within 60 days
- Conduct comprehensive awareness campaigns in schools and communities
- Impose appropriate fines and penalties for violations
- Establish dedicated hotlines for reporting incidents
- Coordinate implementation efforts with the Department of the Interior and Local Government
Additionally, she called upon the Integrated Gender and Development Division to provide both legal support for filing a criminal case and psychosocial assistance to the victim and her family during this difficult time.
Transport Regulation and Systemic Reforms
The incident gained widespread attention after a video showing the alleged harassment went viral on social media platforms. According to the victim's own account shared online, she had boarded the taxi outside her school campus. What began as casual conversation with the driver quickly escalated into inappropriate comments about her physical appearance, intrusive personal questions, and ultimately a request for her contact information and a sexual relationship.
While the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board–Davao Region (LTFRB-Davao) has already issued a show-cause order against both the taxi driver and his operator, Councilor Librado-Morata emphasized the need for stricter monitoring mechanisms within the transportation sector. She advocated for more rigorous vetting processes to ensure that drivers maintain clean records and demonstrate proper conduct and respect toward all passengers.
Both councilors jointly called upon the LTFRB and the Land Transportation Office to conduct thorough reviews of existing policies. They recommended mandating comprehensive gender sensitivity training and child protection workshops for all transport operators and drivers, particularly if these elements have not yet been fully integrated into their respective Gender and Development plans.
Councilor Baguilod reminded the community that safeguarding children represents a shared societal responsibility that extends beyond law enforcement agencies alone. She urged parents, students, taxi operators, and drivers to remain vigilant and proactive in creating safer public spaces.
Councilor Librado-Morata concluded her address by moving that her privilege speech be considered on first reading and formally referred to the Committee on Women and Children for appropriate legislative action and follow-up measures.
