A bus conductor faces criminal charges after being accused of sexually harassing a deaf woman and her minor child aboard a bus in Bohol, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board in Central Visayas said.
The incident happened Nov. 1 aboard a Southern Star Bus Transit Inc. bus, according to the board’s regional office, LTFRB-7. It drew wide attention after it went viral on social media.
Regional Director Abosamen H. Matuan led a team of officials to Bohol to meet the victims and their family, the conductor and a representative of the bus operator, the agency said.
The agency said it is helping the victims file a formal criminal complaint against the conductor. It also issued a show cause order to Southern Star Bus Transit, requiring the company to explain its side and take part in an administrative investigation.
The board ordered the operator and the conductor to appear before it and submit records, including complete and unedited CCTV and dashcam footage of the bus interior and exterior, for use as evidence.
Matuan said the agency maintains a “zero-tolerance policy” against abuse in public vehicles.
He said public transport must remain safe for everyone, especially women, children and persons with disabilities.
The agency warned bus operators that failing to monitor their employees and enforce policies against gender-based sexual harassment could lead to heavy penalties, including suspension or cancellation of their franchises. It said the action follows directives from the Department of Transportation.
LTFRB-7 said it will continue monitoring public transport in Central Visayas.
The conductor has not been identified, and the allegations have not been proven in court.
The bus company has not issued a public statement on the complaint.
LAWS
Several Philippine laws could apply to the case, depending on the findings of prosecutors:
The Safe Spaces Act, or Republic Act 11313, penalizes gender-based sexual harassment in public spaces, including public utility vehicles. It also requires operators of public transport to take measures to prevent harassment.
Acts of lasciviousness are punishable under Article 336 of the Revised Penal Code. The offense involves lewd acts committed through force, intimidation or other qualifying circumstances.
The Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, or Republic Act 7610, covers lascivious conduct and other forms of abuse against minors, and carries heavier penalties than the general provisions of the Revised Penal Code.
The Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, or Republic Act 7277, as amended, protects the rights of persons with disabilities and prohibits discrimination against them, including in public transportation.
Separately from any criminal case, the LTFRB can discipline franchise holders for violations of its regulations.
Penalties range from fines to suspension or cancellation of a franchise.