This article is for general information in the Philippine legal context and is not a substitute for advice from a lawyer who can evaluate your specific facts.

Harassment can be verbal, physical, sexual, psychological, or digital. In the Philippines, your legal options depend on what happened, where it happened (street, workplace, school, online, home), who did it (stranger, coworker, partner, neighbor), and the evidence you can preserve.

This guide covers:

What “harassment” can legally mean in Philippine law
Which laws may apply (criminal, administrative, civil)
Protection options (including when protection orders are possible)
How complaints are filed and what to expect
Evidence to gather and how to preserve it so it holds up

1) First priorities: safety, documentation, and “do not lose evidence”

If you are in immediate danger

Go to a safe place, call emergency help (police/barangay), or seek medical assistance.
If injuries occurred, get checked and request medical documentation (more on this below).

Start documenting right away

Even if you are not ready to file a case, start a timeline:

Date/time, location, what happened, exact words (as best you can)
Names/handles, phone numbers, account links
Witnesses (who saw/heard it, how to reach them)
What you did afterward (reported to HR/barangay/police, blocked the person, etc.)

Preserve digital evidence before it disappears

Online harassers delete messages; platforms remove content. Preserve now:

Screenshots including the username/handle, date/time, and full thread context
Screen recordings showing navigation (profile → message → timestamp → URL)
Save links, message IDs, email headers, and file originals
Back up to at least two places (device + cloud/drive)

2) Understanding “harassment” in Philippine law

“Harassment” is an umbrella term. Your best legal pathway usually matches a specific legal category, such as:

Gender-based sexual harassment (public spaces, online, workplaces, schools)
Sexual harassment in work/education/training settings
Stalking (including repeated unwanted contact and surveillance behaviors)
Threats, coercion, unjust vexation (criminal acts under the Revised Penal Code)
Libel/cyberlibel (defamatory posts/messages)
Voyeurism or non-consensual sharing of sexual content
Violence Against Women and their Children (VAWC) when the offender is a spouse/partner or someone you have or had a dating/sexual relationship with

Because remedies and proof requirements differ, a strong approach is to classify the conduct and build evidence around that classification.

3) Key Philippine laws commonly used for harassment cases

A) Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313) — Gender-based sexual harassment

This is a major law for harassment in:

Public spaces (streets, transport, bars, malls, etc.)
Workplaces
Educational and training institutions
Online spaces

It covers a broad range of behaviors that can include:

Catcalling, unwanted sexual remarks/gestures
Unwanted sexual advances, persistent unwanted invitations
Public masturbation, flashing
Stalking-like behaviors and repeated unwanted contact depending on circumstances
Online sexual harassment (sexual comments, unwanted sexual messages, sexist slurs, sexually degrading content)

Where it helps most: harassment that is sexual/gender-based even if it doesn’t fit older “sexual harassment” definitions.

Possible consequences: depending on the act and setting, penalties can include fines and/or imprisonment, and administrative sanctions in workplaces/schools.

B) Anti-Sexual Harassment Act (RA 7877) — Work, education, training (quid pro quo / authority-based)

This older law focuses on sexual harassment committed by someone who has authority, influence, or moral ascendancy over the victim in:

Employment
Education
Training environments

Classic examples:

A boss/professor demands sexual favors for hiring/passing/promotion
A superior conditions benefits on sexual compliance
A supervisor creates a hostile environment tied to abuse of authority

Where it helps most: when the offender has power over you and uses it to obtain sexual favors or punish refusal.

Practical note: Many cases involve both RA 7877 (authority-based) and RA 11313 (broader gender-based harassment), plus internal workplace/school rules.

C) Violence Against Women and Their Children (RA 9262) — when the harasser is an intimate partner

RA 9262 covers physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse committed by:

A husband or ex-husband
A boyfriend/ex-boyfriend
Someone you have had a dating relationship or sexual relationship with
The father of your child

This is crucial because it can include psychological violence such as:

Threats, intimidation, harassment that causes mental or emotional suffering
Repeated unwanted contact, monitoring, humiliation, control
Online harassment used to threaten, shame, or control

Key advantage: RA 9262 allows access to protection orders (see Section 6).

D) Cybercrime Prevention Act (RA 10175) — online harassment that is a crime

RA 10175 is often used when harassment occurs through ICT (internet, devices) and matches an underlying offense such as:

Cyberlibel (online defamation)
Online threats, coercion, identity misuse depending on facts and prosecutorial theory

It often increases complexity (evidence handling, jurisdiction, platform records) and may affect penalties.

E) Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act (RA 9995) — intimate images taken/shared without consent

If the harassment involves:

Recording private sexual activity without consent
Sharing intimate images/videos without consent
Threatening to share (“revenge porn” or sextortion-like conduct)

RA 9995 is a primary law. Related offenses may also apply depending on age, coercion, or trafficking indicators.

F) Data Privacy Act (RA 10173) — doxxing and misuse of personal information (in some cases)

If the harassment includes publishing or misusing personal data (address, ID numbers, workplace details, family info) without lawful basis, data privacy may be implicated. Outcomes can include complaints with the appropriate regulatory process and potential criminal liability in certain scenarios, but applicability is fact-specific.

G) Revised Penal Code (RPC) — “traditional” criminal offenses that often cover harassment

Depending on what the harasser did, RPC provisions may apply, such as:

Grave threats / light threats (threatening harm)
Grave coercion / light coercion (forcing you to do or not do something)
Slander (oral defamation) (spoken defamatory statements)
Libel (written/publication defamation; online often charged as cyberlibel)
Unjust vexation (broad, catch-all annoyance/harassment that causes irritation or distress without lawful purpose; often invoked when conduct is persistent and unreasonable but doesn’t neatly fit other crimes)

Charges depend heavily on wording, context, repetition, and provable harm.

H) School-specific protections (anti-bullying and child protection rules)

For minors and school settings, administrative mechanisms and child protection policies often apply alongside criminal laws when appropriate. Schools typically have mandated procedures for complaints, investigation, interim safety measures, and discipline.

4) Choosing your legal pathway: criminal, administrative, civil — or several at once

You can often pursue multiple tracks simultaneously:

1) Criminal complaint (to penalize and deter)

You file a complaint for violations of applicable laws (e.g., Safe Spaces Act, threats/coercion, libel/cyberlibel, voyeurism, VAWC).

Where cases go: typically the Office of the City/Provincial Prosecutor after initial reporting/investigation steps.

2) Administrative complaint (workplace/school/organization discipline)

Even if you don’t file criminally, you can seek discipline through:

HR and internal grievance mechanisms
A Committee on Decorum and Investigation (often referred to as CODI) or similar body under workplace/school policy frameworks
School discipline offices, child protection committees, or student conduct bodies

Administrative cases can be faster for workplace/school remedies (transfer, no-contact directives, suspension/dismissal), but they don’t replace criminal accountability.

3) Civil case (damages and injunctive relief concepts)

The Civil Code recognizes causes of action tied to:

Abuse of rights and acts contrary to morals, good customs, or public policy
Violations of dignity, privacy, and peace of mind
Defamation-related damages

Civil actions can be used where the goal is compensation for harm and reputational injury, but they require resources and time and are typically pursued with counsel.

5) Where to report in practice (common routes)

Your best reporting channel depends on where the harassment occurred:

If it happened in public spaces (street/transport/establishment)

Report to local authorities (barangay or police), and document the incident.
For establishment-based incidents (mall, bar, building), request CCTV preservation immediately.

If it happened at work

Report internally (HR/grievance committee). Ask for:
- A written acknowledgment of your complaint
- Interim measures (schedule changes, no-contact directives, reassignment, remote work, etc.)
You may still pursue a criminal complaint depending on the act.

If it happened in school/training

Report to the designated school office/body handling harassment or student discipline.
For minors, ensure child protection processes are triggered when relevant.

If it happened online

Preserve evidence first.
Consider reporting to law enforcement units that handle cybercrime, and/or the NBI cybercrime unit where appropriate.
If the platform allows it, file in-platform reports after you have preserved evidence.

If it involves an intimate partner/ex-partner

Consider RA 9262 pathways, including protection orders and police/Women and Children Protection Desk support.

6) Protection orders and “no contact” measures

Protection Orders under RA 9262 (VAWC)

If RA 9262 applies, protection orders can be a powerful tool. Common forms include:

Barangay Protection Order (BPO) (typically for immediate, short-term protection at barangay level)
Temporary Protection Order (TPO) (court-issued, interim)
Permanent Protection Order (PPO) (court-issued after hearing)

Protection orders can include provisions like:

No contact/harassment
Stay-away distances
Removal from residence (in certain cases)
Other safety-related directives

Protection orders are fact-dependent and require careful documentation of the relationship and abusive acts.

Workplace/school interim measures

Even without a court order, workplaces/schools can implement:

No-contact directives
Modified schedules or seating
Restricted access to premises
Remote arrangements
Security escorts or controlled entry

Get these measures in writing.

7) Evidence to gather (and how to gather it properly)

Evidence quality often determines outcomes. Aim for clarity, authenticity, completeness, and continuity.

A) Your written timeline (foundational evidence)

Create a single document or notebook log:

Every incident in chronological order
Date/time/location
What exactly happened (quote exact phrases when possible)
Witnesses and their contact details
Any reports you made (who, when, outcome)
Emotional/physical effects (panic attacks, insomnia, missed work, etc.)

This helps prosecutors/investigators see a pattern, especially in stalking-like harassment.

B) Messages, chats, emails, and call logs

For harassment by phone or online:

Screenshots showing the full conversation, not isolated messages
Visible identifiers (username/number), timestamps, and platform context
Export chat logs if the platform allows (some apps provide download/export)
Email evidence: save the email with full headers when possible
Call logs and voicemails (keep originals; don’t edit)

Do not edit screenshots (no cropping that removes context, no markup). If you must redact for sharing, keep an unredacted original.

C) Social media posts, comments, stories, and livestreams

Screenshot + screen record scrolling through the profile and the post
Save the post URL and the profile URL
Capture comments (including your replies and others’ replies)
If it’s a story that expires, record it immediately

If the harasser uses multiple accounts, capture evidence linking them (same phone, same photos, admissions, mutual contacts, etc.), but avoid speculative accusations—stick to what you can prove.

D) Photos, videos, and CCTV

If an incident occurred in a place with cameras:

Request the establishment to preserve CCTV immediately (many systems overwrite in days)
Record who you spoke to, when, and what they said
If police assistance is needed to secure footage, document your request

For your own recordings:

Keep original files (with metadata intact)
Avoid re-saving through apps that strip metadata
Back up originals

E) Witness statements

Witnesses can be decisive for public harassment and workplace/school incidents.

List witnesses promptly while memories are fresh
Ask them to write a statement while details are clear
Note how they witnessed it (saw/heard; distance; duration; lighting; etc.)

Formal affidavits are typically prepared later for legal proceedings, but early written accounts help.

F) Medical and psychological documentation

If harassment involved physical contact, injury, or trauma:

Medical certificate and treatment records
Photos of injuries (dated, multiple angles, include an object for scale)
If you sought counseling/therapy, keep records of visits and diagnoses (if any)

Psychological harm can matter in cases like VAWC (psychological violence) and in damages claims.

G) Physical evidence

Depending on the case:

Gifts/letters left at your door, notes, packages
Clothing (if relevant)
Objects used to intimidate
Receipts showing travel to meet you, hotel bookings sent as threats, etc.

Store items in a clean envelope/bag; label date/time/how obtained.

H) Evidence of identity (who did it)

A common defense is “that wasn’t me.” Identity proof matters:

Account profile info, handles, phone numbers, email addresses
Screens showing the account logged in on a shared device
Admissions (“yes, it was me” messages)
Witnesses who saw the person send messages or commit acts
Links between accounts (same photos, same phone number recovery, same writing patterns—use cautiously and focus on objective links)

For serious online cases, formal requests to platforms/telecoms may be needed; this is typically done through law enforcement or legal process.

I) Chain of custody and credibility tips

To strengthen admissibility and credibility:

Keep originals and duplicates
Don’t modify files
Use a consistent folder naming system (e.g., 2026-01-10_FBMessages, 2026-01-12_CCTVRequest)
Record how/when you captured each item
If you printed screenshots, keep a record of the device used and the capture date

A simple “evidence index” spreadsheet/list can help:

Exhibit number
Description
Date created
Where stored
What it proves

8) What to expect when filing a complaint (high-level)

While procedures vary by locality and case type, many complaints follow a pattern:

Initial report / documentation
- Police blotter entry or incident report
- For workplace/school: written complaint to the designated office
Affidavit and supporting documents
- You (and witnesses) may execute sworn statements
- Attach screenshots, logs, medical records, photos, etc.
Case evaluation and possible inquest/preliminary investigation
- Prosecutor evaluates whether there is probable cause
- Respondent may file counter-affidavits
Filing in court
- If probable cause is found, the case is filed and proceeds through court stages

For administrative cases, expect:

Notice to the respondent
Investigation/hearing steps
Interim measures possible
Decision and sanctions if proven

9) Practical strategy: match facts to the strongest remedies

Because “harassment” can be charged in different ways, a practical approach is:

If it’s sexual/gender-based (public/work/school/online)

Document the sexual/gendered content, frequency, setting, and impact.
RA 11313 (Safe Spaces) is often central.

If it’s authority-based sexual coercion (boss/professor)

Document the authority relationship and the “condition” (favor demanded, threat to grade/job).
RA 7877 becomes more relevant.

If it’s repeated unwanted contact and monitoring

Build a pattern: repeated messages, visits, surveillance, third-party contacts, appearances at your locations.
Your timeline + corroboration (CCTV, witnesses, logs) is key.

If it’s threats/coercion

Preserve the exact words, the context, and any acts showing capacity to carry out threats.
Report promptly; threats are treated more seriously when documented early.

If it’s reputational attacks online

Preserve posts/comments, URLs, and engagement metrics.
Consider libel/cyberlibel and civil damages, but be aware these are technical and fact-sensitive.

If it involves intimate images or sexual content shared without consent

Preserve evidence but limit circulation.
RA 9995 and related laws may apply; these cases often require careful handling to avoid further harm.

If the offender is a current/former partner

RA 9262 may offer the most immediate protection leverage (including protection orders), depending on facts.

10) Common mistakes that weaken harassment cases

Waiting too long to preserve posts/messages (content gets deleted)
Only saving cropped screenshots without identifiers/timestamps
Engaging in long back-and-forth arguments that muddy the narrative
Publicly posting allegations without evidence (can create counterclaims)
Not requesting CCTV preservation quickly
Losing original files or only keeping re-uploaded copies that strip metadata
Failing to document relationship status when RA 9262 is relevant

11) Digital safety and risk reduction while building your case

These steps don’t replace legal remedies, but they reduce ongoing harm:

Tighten privacy settings, remove public phone/email
Enable 2FA, change passwords, review account logins
Audit what personal info is searchable (old posts, public directories)
Tell trusted contacts not to share your location or info
Consider a separate email/number for complaint-related communications
Avoid in-person confrontations; keep communication documented

12) A concise “evidence checklist” you can follow

Identity

Full name/aliases/handles
Profile URLs, phone numbers, emails
Screens linking the person to the account

Incident proof

Screenshots with timestamps and context
Screen recordings showing navigation and URLs
Photos/videos (original files)
CCTV request notes + footage if obtained
Witness names and statements

Impact

Medical records (if any)
Therapy/counseling records (if any)
Work/school impact (absences, transfer requests, performance issues tied to harassment)
Journal entries contemporaneous to incidents

Reporting trail

HR/school emails
Barangay/police blotter details
Complaint forms, acknowledgments, reference numbers
Any responses from the harasser (admissions, apologies, continued threats)

13) Final notes on strength of a case (what decision-makers look for)

Across criminal, administrative, and civil tracks, decision-makers tend to focus on:

Credibility and consistency (your timeline matches the records)
Corroboration (witnesses, CCTV, logs, medical records)
Authenticity of digital evidence (clear identifiers, preserved originals)
Pattern (repetition and escalation, especially for stalking-like behavior)
Harm and risk (threats, power imbalance, vulnerability, ongoing danger)

If you keep evidence organized, preserve originals, and document early, you dramatically improve your chances—regardless of which legal route you choose.