Anti-violence law hailed

Very good, lipay ko ana (I’m happy) because that is now a reality. Bullying, mao na ang cause nga daghan kaayong victims (why there are so many victims). VICE GOV. AGNES MAGPALE

Cebu Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale welcomed the approval of House Bill 8655, or the Expanded Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children (E-VAWC) in the Lower House.

The bill, whose sponsorship is led by representatives of the Gabriela Partylist, was approved on third and final reading on Monday, Dec. 10.

Magpale, in an interview, said the bill is a big help as it would penalize bullying in all forms, whether physical or even online.

The bill will make psychological violence through the use of electronic devices and other information-communication technology a criminal act, Magpale said.

Magpale, who co-chairs the Provincial Women’s Commission (PWC) and the Provincial Council for the Welfare of Children, said there are more victims of abuse now because of technology.

She believes that HB 8655 will put an end to electronic-based vi-

olence and abuse.

“Very good, lipay ko ana (I’m happy) because that is now a reality. Bullying, mao na ang cause nga daghan kaayong victims (why there are so many victims),” Magpale said.

Magpale is confident that the law would be supported in the Senate as this could help in stopping harassment and abuse against women and children, particularly through the use of modern technology.

“Mapadali ang (It will facilitate) prosecution kay in place na ang national law,” Magpale added.

Aside from representatives from Gabriela, 207 other representatives supported the passage of HB 8655.

HB 8655 aims to amend the old Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) Law of 2004.

The bill prohibits acts such as the spread of explicit videos to harass women and their children, harassment through text messages, stalking, and creating fake social media accounts with the intention to cause distress on women.

Anyone caught conducting electronic violence will be penalized by a fine of not less than P300,000, but not more than P500,000.

The measure also expands the provision of Republic Act 9262 on the 10-day paid leave for VAWC victims, including providing penalties for the immediate supervisor or senior official who denies victim of the paid leave.