Brandplay has launched a nationwide campaign on the Safe Spaces Act, more popularly known as the “Bawal Bastos Law.” Titled “SAFE SPACES ACT: Bastos Is Never OK,” the initiative pushes for stronger awareness and understanding of the law, which was passed in 2019 to protect Filipinos against harassment in streets, workplaces, schools, and online platforms.
While the law is in place, many still struggle to understand what it covers, who it protects, and how it can be enforced. This campaign directly addresses that gap by translating the law’s technical language into relatable, everyday action.
The campaign is anchored on raising rights awareness. It emphasizes that catcalling, sexist remarks, offensive jokes, and even online harassment are not trivial behaviors but punishable acts that harm individuals and communities. By educating Filipinos on what harassment truly is and how they can assert their rights, the campaign bridges the space between legislation and daily life.
To deliver this message, PAGEONE Prime under PAGEONE Studios has released a series of digital videos that unpack the Safe Spaces Act, presenting facts and everyday scenarios where harassment often happens, such as on public transportation, in offices, in schools, and across online platforms. These materials highlight not only who is most affected, particularly young people and women, but also how everyone has a stake in making shared spaces safe and inclusive.
Recognizing that the youth are among the most vulnerable yet also the most active online, the campaign uses platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook to reach them where they are. By doing so, it transforms the very digital spaces where harassment often occurs into venues for empowerment, awareness, and cultural change.
“This campaign is about making Filipinos aware of their rights, showing them that harassment has real consequences, and encouraging a culture where safe spaces are the norm, not the exception,” said Fritz Cruz, Head of Brandplay.
Brandplay underscores that creating safe spaces is a shared responsibility. While the law provides protection, lasting change comes from a community-wide effort to uphold dignity and respect in every interaction, on the street, in the workplace, in schools, and online.
The initiative also supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities and SDG 16 on Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. By making safe, inclusive, and accessible environments a cultural expectation, the campaign moves beyond simple compliance with the law and toward building a society where every Filipino can feel secure and respected.
