Social media is a place where people can talk about anything and everything under the sun. From political commentaries to brain-rot memes, social media is a platform that encourages expression and communication. However, this comes with some downsides, especially for women.
Online Sexism in the Philippines
The topic of sexism in the Philippine online spaces was especially brought up in 2018 after the viral #MeToo movement. It was revealed that a Facebook group called “PUA Academy” to be sexist and predatory against women. The said group would post about how to seduce women and get them to bed, reducing women as objects.[1]
8 years later, the issue of men’s misogynistic remarks online was once again brought into light. Celebrity Xyriel Manabat was allegedly subjected to lewd remarks by a TNVS driver online earlier this month. In the said post, the driver posted a selfie of the two with the caption “ang laki ng bata na yan.” He also added indecent comments later. The celebrity later said in an interview that she would be taking action against the driver. She stated, “I am never scared to express my passion about protecting women, victims of any gender and age — those who are voiceless. There is nothing to be scared. It fuels reason to be more brave and spread awareness.”[2]
Xyriel Manabat is not the only victim. A study revealed that 7 in 10 girls and young women in the Philippines experience different forms of online harassment. Most of them were subjected to different forms of online harassment and violence. These include threats of sexual violence, sexual harassment, threats of physical violence, Anti-LGBTIQ+ comments, racist comments, body-shaming, purposeful embarrassment, stalking, and abusive and insulting language. Harassment can come from anyone, not just strangers on the internet, according to the study. The majority of the respondents stated that they were harassed by people they knew.[3]
Victims’ Recourse: Safe Spaces Act
Republic Act No. 11313, otherwise known as the Safe Spaces Act, was enacted in 2019 in response to the growing prevalence of gender-based sexual harassment in various settings, particularly in public spaces and online platforms. The law recognizes that such acts, often trivialized or normalized, undermine a person’s dignity, safety, and right to freely move and express themselves. Perpetrators of online gender-based sexual harassment may be held criminally liable and, upon conviction, may face imprisonment, a fine, or both, as provided under the law.
When confronted with this problem, victims have the option to file a complaint. Below is key information that they need to know:
- The victim can file a complaint through the Cybercrime Division of the National Bureau of Investigation, the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group, or the Office of the Cybercrime of the Department of Justice.
- Victims may also seek assistance from the Women and Children Protection Desks in police stations, especially in the absence of an Anti-Cybercrime Office in the city or municipality.
- Victims must secure the Uniform Resource Locator (URL) or the web address of the website or social media account of the perpetrator.
- Secure screenshots of everything, including the perpetrator’s profile and their acts, and keep digital and printed copies of them.
It is also understandable that filing a complaint against an online perpetrator can be overwhelming and scary. Which is why it is equally important to seek the assistance of a lawyer when taking these actions. With the right legal support, victims of online harassment can properly have their cases heard and hold the perpetrator accountable.
Disclaimer:
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific concerns regarding online harassment, it is best to consult a licensed lawyer.