House Bill Seeks to End Dress Code Discrimination in Government Frontline Services
Toto
11/22/2024 07:00:00 PM
Akbayan Party-list Representative Perci Cendaña has filed House Bill 11078, also known as the "Bawal Judgemental Bill," to eliminate strict dress codes in government offices offering frontline services. The measure aims to make government transactions more accessible, especially for marginalized communities, by addressing policies that discriminate against individuals based on their attire.
“Strict dress codes only end up discriminating against the poor and indigenous communities,” Cendaña explained. “We want to remove judgment based on clothing, especially when it has no bearing on the services being accessed.”
Cendaña emphasized that public services should be inclusive and welcoming. "Not everyone can afford an ‘outfit check.’ Government offices should serve everyone equally, regardless of socioeconomic status," he added.
What the "Bawal Judgemental" Bill Proposes
Formally titled the Open Door Policy Act, the bill seeks to prohibit government agencies from imposing unnecessary dress codes on citizens availing of frontline services. This includes situations where specific attire or footwear has no practical connection to the transaction being performed.
If passed, the measure would remove a significant barrier for individuals from low-income and indigenous communities, ensuring they can access essential government services without fear of discrimination.
Beyond the Bill: Conversations with Rep. Cendaña
In a candid discussion, Rep. Cendaña shared insights into his legislative priorities beyond the "Bawal Judgemental" Bill. Among his advocacies are:
Beyond the Bill: Conversations with Rep. Cendaña
In a candid discussion, Rep. Cendaña shared insights into his legislative priorities beyond the "Bawal Judgemental" Bill. Among his advocacies are:
- The SOGIE Equality Bill, promoting equal rights for members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
- The Mining Act, which seeks to protect the environment and ensure sustainable mining practices.
- The Kian Bill, named after Kian delos Santos, to address the issues of extrajudicial killings and police accountability.
During my years of involvement in youth organizations, I often met students whose parents were farmers. We encouraged them to take pride in their roots, reminding them that their families’ land and labor made them wealthier than they realized—not just in resources, but in values and resilience.
This perspective ties into the broader theme of inclusivity and opportunity that Rep. Cendaña's bill represents. It’s a reminder that government services—and indeed society—should lift people up rather than hold them back due to arbitrary rules or societal biases.
A Step Toward Inclusive Governance
House Bill 11078 signals a step forward in ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their background, feel welcome and respected in public spaces. By breaking down barriers like unnecessary dress codes, the bill champions accessibility and equality in government services—values that resonate with the core principles of public service.
This perspective ties into the broader theme of inclusivity and opportunity that Rep. Cendaña's bill represents. It’s a reminder that government services—and indeed society—should lift people up rather than hold them back due to arbitrary rules or societal biases.
A Step Toward Inclusive Governance
House Bill 11078 signals a step forward in ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their background, feel welcome and respected in public spaces. By breaking down barriers like unnecessary dress codes, the bill champions accessibility and equality in government services—values that resonate with the core principles of public service.
Social Counter