Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 27) – A public utility vehicle (PUV) operator, driver, conductor and employee, who commits sexual harassment inside the PUV or within its perimeters, will face punishment, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has ordered.
Under Memorandum Circular No. 2023-016, violators will be fined from ₱5,000 to ₱15,000. Their vehicles will also be suspended during the first and second offense, while on the third offense, their Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) will be revoked.
Meanwhile, PUV operators will face punishment should they fail to do anything to prevent sexual harassment or address the violation of their employees.
The LTFRB may also recommend the suspension or cancellation of the violator’s driver’s license to the Land and Transportation Office.
Those who are grantees of CPC, Provisional Authority or Special Permit are covered by the memorandum, the LTFRB said.
Under R.A. 11313 or the “Safe Space Act,” sexual harassment includes catcalling, wolf-whistling, intrusive gazing, stalking and other offensive body gestures.
