CSC expands sexual harassment coverage

Government officials and employees who send inappropriate text messages and email, which are sexual in nature, to fellow workers may now face administrative sanctions, according to the Civil Service Commission (CSC)

In a new resolution, the CSC expanded the forms of sexual harassment to include those digitally transmitted.

Gender-based online sexual harassment acts now include those that use information and communication technology in terrorizing and intimidating victims, and these include “physical, psychological, and emotional threats, unwanted sexual misogynistic, transphobic, homophobic and sexist remarks and comments online whether publicly or through direct and private messages.”

The CSC Resolution takes effect on June 1, 2021.

Prior to the resolution, only sexual harassment in work-related, training, or education are recognized by government.

A new IATFF resolution strengthened the Committee on Decorum and Investigation (CODI) to prevent any delays in investigations of complaints of sexual harassment.

The CODI must ensure the complainant will not suffer from retaliation or any disadvantage in terms of benefits or security of tenure, as well as to guarantee the observance of due process, gender-sensitive handling of the cases, and confidentiality of the identity of the parties involved.

The CODI is given 10 days to submit the results of its investigation to the “disciplinary authority” of the decision.

“Heads of agencies who will be found remiss on their duties under CSC Resolution No. 2100064 or not taking action on complaints may be charged with Neglect of Duty,” CSC said. Government officials and personnel found violating government’s anti-sexual harassment policies face sanctions ranging from reprimand to dismissal from the service.