Manila: A bill seeking the establishment of halfway houses, or safe shelters, in every city and province for survivors of gender-based violence and other forms of abuse has been filed at the House of Representatives.
According to Philippines News Agency, House Bill No. 10044, or the "Bahay Kanlungan Act of 2026," aims to ensure that survivors - regardless of gender, age, or sexual orientation - have immediate access to protection, temporary shelter, and support services to help them recover and rebuild their lives.
"A nationwide halfway house system would provide a more inclusive and rehabilitative mechanism to protect survivors of violence and those vulnerable to abuse," House Senior Deputy Minority Leader and Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima, the bill's author, said.
De Lima said the proposed measure would establish a framework for protection, recovery, and reintegration to ensure survivors receive guidance, care, and sustained support.
At present, residential care facilities operated by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), including the Haven for Women and Home for Girls, remain insufficient to protect survivors of violence and abuse nationwide, particularly persons of diverse sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC).
De Lima said survivors with diverse gender identities continue to face violence and systemic discrimination but lack adequate recognition and protection under existing laws.
To address these gaps, the lawmaker seeks to strengthen the capacity of local government units to provide integrated services that uphold survivors' rights to safety, dignity, and justice.
Under HB 10044, the DSWD would be required to establish or accredit at least one Inclusive Halfway House in every city and province. Survivors may stay in the shelters for up to 90 days, with extensions allowed under valid circumstances.
The bill also prohibits returning or releasing survivors to an alleged perpetrator, abusive environment, or any unsafe setting.
De Lima said the measure draws inspiration from Quezon City's Bahay Kanlungan, the first local government-run shelter offering comprehensive medical, psychological, police, and legal assistance to women, children, and LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning) victim-survivors of gender-based violence.
