CMU champions legal literacy in 18-Day Campaign to End VAW

As part of the University’s gender mainstreaming efforts, Central Mindanao University (CMU) dedicated its December monthly convocation to the critical issue of anti-violence laws, aligning its institutional efforts with the national 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW), held at the University Convention Center, on December 1, 2025. 

The convocation’s keynote address was delivered by Atty. James M. Violon, the University Legal Counsel, who also serves as a Gender and Development (GAD) representative for the Legal Office. His discussion centered on the legislative frameworks that ensure protection within and outside the academic community.

Atty. Violon meticulously outlined three foundational pieces of Philippine law, emphasizing that the fight against violence requires both legal knowledge and institutional commitment.

RA 9262: The Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act (VAWC)

This law protects women—including wives, former spouses, dating, or sexual partners—and their children from four primary types of abuse: physical, sexual, psychological, and economic violence. Atty. Violon stressed that the law recognizes the State’s duty to intervene in domestic matters when violence occurs.

“The law is clear: Violence Against Women and Their Children is not a private matter; it is a crime that the State guarantees to protect the family from. VAWC doesn’t just cover physical abuse; it equally condemns economic, sexual, and psychological suffering,” he stated. 

IRA 7877: The Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995

The discussion highlighted this law’s focus on the abuse of power. It criminalizes the demand for sexual favors or the creation of an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment by a person with authority, influence, or moral ascendancy over a subordinate, student, or applicant in the workplace or educational setting. Atty. Violon emphasized the gravity of this law, especially for government employees, including those in the teaching profession. 

RA 11313: The Safe Spaces Act (Bawal Bastos Law)

Atty. Violon explained the revolutionary scope of the SSA, which introduced Gender-Based Sexual Harassment (GBSH). This law extends protection to any person—including those targeted due to their gender identity and/or expression (SOGIE)—in streets, public spaces, and online, regardless of the relationship or power dynamic. It mandates institutional liability even if harassment is committed by a peer or a subordinate.

 “While the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995 focused on the abuse of power, the Safe Spaces Act is the evolution that tells us respect has no rank. Harassment is forbidden whether it comes from a superior, a peer, or even a subordinate,” Atty. Violon clarified. 

The University Legal Counsel stressed that administrative sanctions (such as reprimand, suspension, or termination) serve as an independent mechanism within the institution. Furthermore, heads of offices, principals, and school heads can face liability for failing to act on reported cases or failing to establish the required investigation committees.

Meanwhile, Dr. Teresita H. Borres, the Chief of the Center for Gender and Development (CGAD), presented sobering statistics to underscore the grim reality of VAW: “Globally, nearly one in three women has experienced physical or sexual violence. In the Philippines, 17.5% of women aged 15–49 report intimate partner violence, contributing to 11,585 VAW-related cases recorded by the PNP in 2023 alone,” Dr. Borres revealed. 

“Today’s convocation is not just a solemn reminder of these grim realities—it is also a call to action. A call for each one of us to hold firm in our commitment: to speak out against violence, to protect the dignity and rights of women, to build a culture of respect, safety, and equality,” Dr. Borres emphasized. 

The convocation was part of a broader set of activities organized by the CGAD to actively engage the CMU community in the VAW advocacy. Other campaign highlights include: “Healthy Orange Fridays,” “Dance Aerobics,” distribution of emergency flashlights and awareness materials, and the posting and display of VAW campaign materials in strategic locations. (Iyren Dalipe Neri)

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