In the Philippines, harassment and threats are not just social nuisances; they are actionable offenses under a robust framework of criminal and civil laws. Whether the abuse occurs in person, in the workplace, or across digital platforms, the Philippine legal system provides several avenues for protection and redress.

1. Criminal Actions: The Revised Penal Code (RPC)

The RPC remains the primary tool for prosecuting direct threats and coercive behavior.

Grave Threats (Article 282): Committed when someone threatens another with the infliction of a wrong amounting to a crime (e.g., "I will kill you"). The penalty is more severe if the threat is made with a condition (extortion) and the offender attains their purpose.
Light Threats (Article 283/285): Covers threats that do not amount to a crime or are made in the heat of anger without the persistent intent to harm.
Grave and Light Coercions (Articles 286-287): This applies when someone, without authority of law, prevents another from doing something lawful or compels them to do something against their will using violence, threats, or intimidation.
Unjust Vexation (Article 287): A "catch-all" provision for conduct that, while not involving physical violence, is intended to annoy, irritate, or distress a person. It is often used in cases of persistent harassment that doesn't fit into other specific categories.

2. Special Laws for Specific Contexts

The Philippine Congress has enacted specialized laws to address modern forms of harassment.

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

Also known as the "Bawal Bastos" Law, this is the most progressive tool against gender-based sexual harassment. It covers:

Gender-based Streets and Public Spaces Sexual Harassment: Catcalling, wolf-whistling, leering, and persistent uninvited comments.
Online Sexual Harassment: The use of information and communications technology to terrorize and intimidate victims through physical, psychological, and emotional threats, including the sharing of private photos/videos without consent.
Workplace and Education Harassment: Expands the definition of harassment to include peers (not just superiors) and creates a duty for institutions to act on complaints.

B. Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act (R.A. 9262)

This law protects women and their children from physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse. "Stalking" and "repeated verbal abuse" fall under psychological violence here.

C. Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (R.A. 10175)

If threats or harassment are carried out via the internet (social media, email, messaging apps), the penalties are often increased by one degree under this Act. It specifically penalizes Cyber Libel and Cybersquatting, often used in conjunction with harassment cases.

D. Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995 (R.A. 7877)

Primarily focused on the workplace and education sectors, this law penalizes harassment committed by a person who has authority, influence, or moral ascendancy over another.

3. Protective Writs and Remedies

Beyond filing a criminal complaint, victims can seek immediate protection through the courts:

Barangay Protection Order (BPO): A 15-day order issued by the Punong Barangay to halt immediate violence (specific to R.A. 9262).
Permanent/Temporary Protection Orders (PPO/TPO): Issued by the courts to ensure the perpetrator stays a specific distance away from the victim.
Writ of Amparo: A remedy available to any person whose right to life, liberty, and security is violated or threatened with violation by an unlawful act or omission of a public official or employee, or of a private individual or entity.
Writ of Habeas Data: Used when a person’s right to privacy in life, liberty, or security is violated or threatened by an unlawful act or omission of a public official or employee or a private individual engaged in the gathering or storing of data or information.

4. Procedural Steps for Victims

Documentation: Keep screenshots of messages, recordings of calls, or videos of incidents. Note dates, times, and witnesses.
Blotter: Report the incident to the nearest Police Station (Women and Children’s Protection Desk, if applicable) or the Cybercrime Division of the NBI/PNP.
Barangay Conciliation: For light offenses (like Unjust Vexation), a certificate to file action from the Barangay is usually required before going to court.
Filing the Complaint: Submit a sworn affidavit (Complaint-Affidavit) to the Prosecutor's Office to initiate a preliminary investigation.

Summary Table of Remedies

Type of Harassment	Primary Law	Agency to Approach
Direct Death Threats	RPC Art. 282	PNP / Prosecutor
Catcalling / Leering	R.A. 11313	Local Govt / PNP
Online Trolling/Threats	R.A. 10175	NBI Cybercrime / PNP-ACG
Domestic Abuse	R.A. 9262	Barangay / Family Court
Workplace Harassment	R.A. 7877 / R.A. 11313	HR / DOLE / Court

Note: This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute formal legal advice. It is highly recommended to consult with a member of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) for specific cases.

Would you like me to draft a sample demand letter or a template for a Complaint-Affidavit based on any of these specific laws?