Public Conduct — Philippines
What travelers need to know about public conduct in Philippines. What is legal at home can be a serious crime here — each rule links to its official source.
Public Conduct in Philippines: prohibited — what is legal at home can be a serious crime here.
Catcalling, wolf-whistling, sexist, homophobic or transphobic slurs, persistent uninvited comments on someone's appearance, leering, offensive gestures, flashing, groping and stalking in any Philippine street or public space are criminal offences under the Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313). The law applies to streets, public spaces and public transport, and penalties rise with the seriousness of the act and with each repeat offence.
Penalties are tiered by the act. Lightest group (catcalling, wolf-whistling, unwanted invitations, sexist, misogynistic, homophobic and transphobic slurs, persistent comments on appearance): first offence a fine of P1,000 and 12 hours community service including a gender-sensitivity seminar; second offence arresto menor (6 to 10 days) or a fine of P3,000; third offence arresto menor (11 to 30 days) and a fine of P10,000. Middle group (public masturbation or flashing, groping, offensive body gestures, advances that threaten personal safety): first offence a fine of P10,000 and 12 hours community service; second offence arresto menor (11 to 30 days) or a fine of P15,000; third offence arresto mayor (1 month and 1 day to 6 months) and a fine of P20,000. Heaviest group (persistent sexual jokes, use of sexual names, stalking): first offence arresto menor (11 to 30 days) or a fine of P30,000; second offence arresto mayor or a fine of P50,000; third offence arresto mayor in its maximum period or a fine of P100,000.
§ Supreme Court of the Philippines E-Library - Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 11313 (Safe Spaces Act)Verified Sep 28, 2026