MANILA — Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo aims to have easier access of government front line services for ordinary Filipinos, especially who are from the marginalized sector without worrying what to wear.
In House Bill 6286, or the Open Door Policy Act, government institutions will be prohibited from implementing strict dress codes that prevent ordinary citizens from accessing government services.
Dinagat Islands Rep. Kaka Bag-ao principally authored the measure, while Rep. Robredo, Quezon City Rep. Bolet Banal and Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat co-authored the bill.
“Strict dress codes are often unjust requirements that prevent ordinary Filipinos from seeing how government works for them and from being involved in development initiatives that ultimately benefit them,” said Robredo, Liberal Party’s vice presidential candidate.
Aside from barring strict dress codes in front line service offices, Robredo said the bill aims to do the same for public meetings, including public hearings or sessions, conducted by any government office or agency, including legislative bodies.
“When they are denied entry to public offices because of what they are wearing, they are also denied the right to acquire services from the government and the right to observe or participate in meetings that tackle matters that affect their welfare,” said Robredo, a pro bono lawyer who worked with poor communities before becoming a congresswoman.