In the Philippines, the right to dignity and protection against discriminatory practices is enshrined in the Constitution and reinforced by a robust framework of special laws. Commercial establishments—ranging from malls and restaurants to hotels and private offices—are not "law-free zones." They are duty-bound to ensure an environment free from harassment and discrimination.

Below is an exhaustive overview of the legal remedies and frameworks available to victims of such acts within commercial settings.

I. The Safe Spaces Act (Republic Act No. 11313)

Commonly known as the Bawal Bastos Law, this is the primary legislation addressing gender-based sexual harassment (GBSH) in public spaces, including commercial establishments.

Prohibited Acts in Public Spaces: These include catcalling, wolf-whistling, unwanted invitations, misogynistic/transphobic slurs, persistent uninvited comments on appearance, and any advances (physical or verbal) that are threatening or derogatory.
Liabilities of Commercial Establishments: Under the law, owners and managers of restaurants, bars, cinemas, and other places of public utility have specific obligations:

Posting of Warning Signs: They must display clear signage stating that sexual harassment is prohibited and providing a hotline/process for reporting.
Designation of Officers: Establishments must designate an officer to receive complaints and apprehend perpetrators.
Coordination with Law Enforcement: They must immediately assist victims and coordinate with the Philippine National Police (PNP) or Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) for the arrest of the offender.

Remedies: Victims can file a criminal complaint for violations of R.A. 11313. Penalties range from fines and community service to imprisonment (arresto menor to prision correccional), depending on the severity and frequency of the act.

II. The Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995 (Republic Act No. 7877)

While the Safe Spaces Act covers public spaces, R.A. 7877 specifically targets sexual harassment in the workplace and education/training environments.

Scope: This applies to employees, job applicants, or service providers within a commercial establishment who are harassed by a person having authority, influence, or moral ascendancy over them.
Establishment Duty: Every employer is required to create a Committee on Decorum and Investigation (CODI) to handle complaints.
Remedies:
Administrative: Filing a complaint within the company's internal grievance mechanism.
Criminal: Filing a case in court. A conviction carries a penalty of imprisonment (1-6 months) and/or a fine.
Civil: The victim may sue for damages under the Civil Code.

III. The Magna Carta of Women (Republic Act No. 9710)

This law provides a broader umbrella of protection against discrimination for women.

Non-Discrimination in Public Places: It prohibits the denial of entry or service to women in commercial establishments (e.g., bars or clubs) based on gender or perceived "morality."
Remedies: Violations can lead to administrative sanctions against the establishment’s license to operate and civil suits for damages.

IV. Protection for Persons with Disabilities (R.A. 7277 as amended by R.A. 9442 and R.A. 10754)

Discrimination against PWDs in commercial establishments is strictly prohibited.

Prohibited Acts: Refusing a PWD entry to a restaurant, hotel, or cinema; charging them higher prices; or failing to provide reasonable accommodations (ramps, tactile paving).
Public Ridicule: R.A. 9442 specifically criminalizes "public ridicule" and "vilification" of PWDs, which includes mocking a PWD’s disability in a commercial setting.
Remedies: Victims can file a complaint with the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) or the local government unit’s Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO). Criminal charges can also be filed, leading to fines and imprisonment.

V. The Human Rights Code and Civil Code Provisions

Beyond specific statutes, the Civil Code of the Philippines offers foundational remedies for discrimination and harassment:

Article 19 (Abuse of Rights): Every person must, in the exercise of his rights and in the performance of his duties, act with justice, give everyone his due, and observe honesty and good faith.
Article 21 (Contra Bonus Mores): Any person who willfully causes loss or injury to another in a manner that is contrary to morals, good customs, or public policy shall compensate the latter for the damage.
Article 26 (Violation of Dignity): This allows for an action for damages against any person who vexes, humiliates, or insults another based on their religious beliefs, lowly station in life, place of birth, or physical defects.

Remedy: Action for Damages. Victims can sue for Moral Damages (for mental anguish), Exemplary Damages (to set an example), and Attorney’s Fees.

VI. Local Government Ordinances (Anti-Discrimination Ordinances)

Many major cities in the Philippines (e.g., Quezon City, Cebu City, Davao City, Manila) have passed local Anti-Discrimination Ordinances (ADOs).

LGBTQ+ Protection: These ordinances often go further than national law by explicitly prohibiting discrimination based on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression (SOGIE) in commercial establishments (e.g., denying entry to a person based on their gender expression).
Remedies: Filing a complaint with the Barangay or the City Legal Office. Penalties usually involve fines and the potential suspension or revocation of the establishment's business permit.

VII. Consumer Protection Remedies (R.A. 7394)

The Consumer Act of the Philippines protects consumers from "deceptive, unfair, and unconscionable sales acts and practices."

Application: If a commercial establishment discriminates against a customer (e.g., price gouging based on race or "profiling"), it may fall under unconscionable sales acts.
Remedies: A complaint can be filed with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Summary Table of Remedies

Ground for Action	Primary Law	Agency / Forum
Gender-Based Harassment	R.A. 11313 (Safe Spaces Act)	PNP / Courts / LGU
Workplace Harassment	R.A. 7877 (Anti-Sexual Harassment)	CODI / NLRC / Courts
PWD Discrimination	R.A. 7277 / R.A. 9442	NCDA / Courts / BPLO
Gender/SOGIE/Race	Local Ordinances / Civil Code	LGU / Civil Courts
Unfair Treatment	R.A. 7394 (Consumer Act)	DTI

Steps for Victims to Take

Documentation: Secure CCTV footage (if possible), take photos/videos, and keep receipts.
Witnesses: Get the contact details of people who witnessed the incident.
Incident Report: Request a written report from the establishment's security or management.
Police Blotter: Report the incident to the nearest police station (specifically the Women and Children’s Protection Desk for gender-based cases).
Legal Counsel: Consult a lawyer to determine whether to pursue administrative, civil, or criminal charges.