‘Bawal Judgemental Bill’ prohibits strict dress codes for citizens availing of frontline services

Akbayan Representative Perci Cendaña filed House Bill 11078 or the ‘Bawal Judgemental’ Bill pushing for accessibility of marginalized communities who wish to make simple transactions with gov’t offices that offer frontline services. According to Rep. Cendaña, strict dress codes that have no relation to the frontline services being accessed only end up discriminating against the poor and indigenous communities.

“Sadly, yung policy na strict na dresscodes ay nagreresulta sa pagtataboy sa mga marginalized communities. Gusto natin tanggalin yung pagiging judgemental sa dress or attire lalo na kung hindi naman konektado sa nasabing serbisyo yung pananamit,” according to Rep. Cendaña.

“We want government frontline services to be truly accessible. Hindi lahat afford ang outfit check. We want government offices to welcome everyone no matter your socioeconomic status,” Cendaña added.

House Bill 11078 also called the Open Door Policy Act will prohibit government offices with frontline services to impose dress codes for citizens engaging in simple transactions with the said offices if the prescribed attire and footwear is not essential or integral to the transaction.