The National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) has called on the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to file criminal charges against a bus conductor accused of sexually harassing a deaf woman in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, on November 1.
In its formal letter to the DOTr, the council requested a swift and impartial investigation, alongside appropriate legal actions against the perpetrator. According to the NCDA, the incident occurred at approximately 4 a.m. while the victim and her young daughter were traveling to church.
The survivor subsequently took to Facebook to share her experience and post video clips to seek justice.
Emphasizing that persons with disabilities deserve safe, dignified, and respectful public transportation, the NCDA issued a firm statement on the matter:
“Harassment, intimidation, and discrimination based on disability, communication differences, or gender are unlawful and unacceptable,” it said.
To protect vulnerable passengers, the council urged transport operators to implement rigorous disability awareness, sensitivity, and gender-responsiveness training for all personnel. It also recommended establishing confidential and accessible complaint mechanisms in buses and terminals, alongside educational programs to help transport staff communicate respectfully with deaf individuals and other PWDs.
Additionally, the NCDA condemned online criticism targeting the victim’s grammar in her written account. The council clarified that deaf individuals primarily use Filipino Sign Language, which features a distinct grammatical structure, and stressed that written variations do not reflect a person’s capability or credibility.
“Communication differences must never be used to dismiss, discredit, or mock a survivor,” the council said.
Finally, the NCDA called for the strict and full enforcement of Republic Act No. 7277, or the Magna Carta for Persons with Disability, and Republic Act No. 11313, also known as the Safe Spaces Act.