House OKs bill banning discrimination based on race, religion, ethnicity

By CNN Philippines Staff, 2 Feb 2021

The House of Representatives on Tuesday approved a measure that seeks to penalize discrimination based on one’s race, religion and ethnicity as well as provide reparation to victims. (FILE PHOTO)
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 2) — The House of Representatives on Tuesday approved a measure that seeks to penalize discrimination based on one’s race, religion and ethnicity as well as provide reparation to victims.

With a 208-0-0 vote, House Bill 8243 was approved on third and final reading. The bill prohibits discrimination in political participation; employment; education and training; delivery of goods and services; acquisition, possession, utilization, lease or disposal of lands and houses; access to public places, facilities and meetings; advertisements/mass media; speech; among others.

The bill also penalizes discrimination through “wrongful portrayal” in learning and reference materials wherein individuals or groups are depicted as inferior religiously, racially or ethnically.

Violators will face imprisonment of at least 30 days or as long as six months with a fine of not less than ₱10,000 and not more than ₱100,000. Government agencies, corporations and those who incite others to commit acts of discrimination shall also be held liable for such acts under the measure.

A “non-discrimination committee” shall be created and tasked to investigated acts and practices of discrimination.

Moreover, the measure proposes reparations including restitution, compensation and rehabilitation for victims which will be determined by a court, administrative agency or quasi-judicial body.