Senate reminded of Safe Spaces Act during Duterte impeachment proceedings

MANILA — Counsel for the prosecution Lorna Kapunan reminded senators on Thursday of the Safe Spaces Act, the chamber's own anti-harassment legislation, following a comment from Senator Raffy Tulfo about a prosecution team member's conduct during the Vice President Sara Duterte impeachment trial.

Tulfo had remarked that a prosecutor was "trying to be cute" while examining a witness. The observation prompted Kapunan to reference the law that the Senate itself had enacted to protect individuals from harassment and inappropriate behavior in public spaces and institutions.

The exchange underscored tensions during the ongoing impeachment proceedings against the Vice President. The Safe Spaces Act, which the Senate passed in previous sessions, aims to penalize harassment, intimidation, and bullying in various settings, including educational and professional environments.

The impeachment trial has drawn scrutiny over procedural conduct and witness examination methods as both the prosecution and defense present their cases. Kapunan's invocation of the legislation highlighted the apparent contradiction between the chamber's commitment to protecting individuals from harassment and the treatment of prosecution team members during the proceedings.

The trial continues as senators hear evidence and testimony related to the charges filed against Vice President Duterte.