Philippines Rights Guide

Sexual Harassment at Work in the Philippines: Your Rights

Sexual harassment at work in the Philippines is a criminal offence under the SAFE Spaces Act 2019 and RA 7877. Your employer must have a complaint procedure. Here is what to do.

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Direct Answer

Sexual harassment in the workplace is prohibited under Republic Act 11313 (SAFE Spaces Act 2019) and Republic Act 7877 (Anti-Sexual Harassment Act 1995). Your employer is legally required to have a Committee on Decorum and Investigation (CODI) and a written anti-sexual harassment policy. You can file a complaint internally with the CODI, with the DOLE, or directly with the police. Your employer may be held vicariously liable for failing to act.

What the Law Says

Your Legal Foundation

Republic Act 11313 — SAFE Spaces Act 2019

Section 17

“Employers or other persons of authority, influence or moral ascendancy in a workplace shall have the duty to prevent gender-based sexual harassment and to immediately respond to reports or complaints made by employees. Failure on the part of the employer shall make them jointly and solidarily liable for damages.”

Republic Act 7877 — Anti-Sexual Harassment Act 1995

Section 3

“Sexual harassment is committed by an employer, employee, manager, supervisor, agent of the employer, teacher, instructor, professor, coach, trainer, or any other person who, having authority, influence or moral ascendancy over another in a work environment, demands, requests or otherwise requires any sexual favor from the other.”

Republic Act 11313 — SAFE Spaces Act 2019

Section 18

“Establishments shall be required to have a gender-based sexual harassment policy and an internal mechanism to address gender-based sexual harassment complaints.”

What to Do

Step-by-Step Guide

1Document everything immediately. Keep records of every incident — date, time, location, exactly what was said or done, any witnesses. Screenshot text messages or emails. This documentation is essential for both internal and legal proceedings.
2Report to your employer's CODI. Every company with more than 10 employees must have a Committee on Decorum and Investigation (CODI). File a written complaint. The CODI must investigate within 10 days of receipt and complete the investigation within 30 days.
3If your employer fails to act or the harasser is your employer, file a complaint with DOLE or directly with the City or Regional Prosecutor's Office for criminal prosecution. Sexual harassment under RA 7877 carries imprisonment of 1–6 months and a fine.
4Under the SAFE Spaces Act, gender-based online sexual harassment and street harassment are also criminal. If harassment happened via messaging apps, social media, or email, this is also covered.
5Your job is protected. Retaliating against you for making a sexual harassment complaint is itself a separate violation of law. If you are dismissed, demoted, or constructively dismissed after reporting, file an illegal dismissal case with the NLRC.

What to Say

Exact Words to Use

“"I am filing a formal complaint of sexual harassment under RA 7877 and RA 11313 against [name] for the following acts: [describe]. I am requesting that the CODI convene and investigate within the statutory timeframes. I am also notifying management that I hold the company jointly liable if this complaint is not properly addressed."”

Tone: Written — to the CODI or HR

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file a case even if the harasser is a co-worker, not my boss?

Yes. The SAFE Spaces Act covers gender-based sexual harassment by any person in the workplace, not only supervisors. However, RA 7877 specifically applies to those in positions of authority. For peer harassment, the SAFE Spaces Act is the primary law. Your employer has a duty to act under both laws.

What if I am afraid of losing my job if I report?

Retaliation for reporting sexual harassment is prohibited. If you are dismissed, transferred, or otherwise disadvantaged after reporting, this is illegal under both RA 7877 and the SAFE Spaces Act. File an illegal dismissal complaint with the NLRC and a retaliation complaint with DOLE simultaneously.

Is there a time limit for filing a sexual harassment complaint in the Philippines?

For criminal complaints under RA 7877 or the SAFE Spaces Act, the prescriptive period is generally 1 year from the date of the act. For civil damages, 4 years. For DOLE administrative complaints, file as soon as possible. Do not delay.

Get Help Now

Resources & Helplines

DOLE (1349)
dole.gov.ph
Report employer failure to address sexual harassment. Free.
PNP Women and Children Protection Desk
Nearest police station
For criminal complaints — available 24/7.
NLRC
nlrc.dole.gov.ph
For retaliatory dismissal after reporting harassment.

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