SENATE President Aquilino Pimentel on Sunday raised the need for Congress to revisit the decades old sexual harassment laws with the end view of updating the penalties that would reflect the present realities. “We must update and toughen these laws to be able to adjust to the demands of the times,” said Pimentel. He said that he was planning to direct the appropriate Senate committees to look into increasing the penalties for acts of sexual harassment and sexual abuse. Pimentel said there has been increased focus on sexual harassment and women’s rights lately like reports of sexual abuse and intimidation in show business and sports in the United States, dragging previously illustrious names such as Hollywood producer Harvery Weinstein and gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar. Under the 1995 Harassment Law, those convicted face imprisonment of not more than six months or a fine of not more than P20,000.

Source: Manila Times February 11, 2018 09:11 UTC