Vlogger from Benguet acknowledges breach of the 'No Tolerance Policy against Sexual Harassment' law
In a groundbreaking decision, Renan Padawi, known as Jackfloyd Sawyer on social media, has been found guilty of violating the Safe Spaces Act in La Trinidad, Benguet. This marks the first landmark case in Northern Luzon in relation to the Safe Spaces Act.
The case was pursued by Mia Magdalena Fokno, administrator of Baguio Chronicle's Facebook page, despite Padawi's willingness to settle. Fokno took on the role to speak up for Cordilleran women who have been shamed into silence.
The charges against Padawi were filed last September 2022, following a Facebook post he made, defending Ferdinand President Marcos Jr., which gravely threatened Mia Magdalena Fokno and issued sexual innuendos. The post, which was viewed more than 73,000 times and shared 400 times before deletion, caused Fokno to feel unsafe online and in the real world.
Presiding Judge Mylene May Adube-Cabuag ordered Padawi to pay a fine of ₱100,000 and ₱50,000 to Fokno as civil liability. This ruling serves as a reminder that online harassment and sexual violence are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
Fokno, who suffered sleepless nights, public ridicule, embarrassment, anguish, and restrained freedom of movement due to fear for her safety, came out to find her voice and encourage others to do the same. Her courage in pursuing this case despite being told it was trivial, has set a precedent for other victims of online harassment to seek justice.
The Safe Spaces Act, also known as the "Bawal Bastos" law, was violated by Padawi. The Act, which was enacted in 2019, aims to protect individuals from sexual harassment, online or otherwise. It is enforced to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all citizens, both online and offline.
This case serves as a reminder that everyone has the right to be free from harassment and intimidation, and that those who violate this right will be held accountable. It also underscores the importance of standing up for oneself and others, and the power of speaking out against injustice.
In the wake of this landmark decision, the ongoing discourse in various platforms, including politics, general-news, and crime-and-justice, is now increasingly focusing on online harassment and sexual violence. Mia Magdalena Fokno, who bravely pursued the case against Renan Padawi, is encouraging other victims to seek justice amidst accounts of injustice and silencing.
