MAMAMAYANG Liberal Partylist Rep. Leila de Lima has filed a measure that would establish halfway houses or safe shelters in every city and province for survivors of gender-based violence and other forms of abuse.
Under her House Bill (HB) 10044, or the Bahay Kanlungan Act of 2026, de Lima said that all survivors, regardless of gender, age, or sexual orientation, are ensured to 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,” de Lima said.
She added that the measure would ensure all survivors receive guidance, care, and sustained support.
Currently, 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 of diverse gender identities continue to experience violence and systemic discrimination, yet lack adequate recognition and protection under existing laws.
To address these gaps, HB 10044 mandates the DSWD to establish or accredit at least one Inclusive Halfway House in every city and province nationwide.
Survivors may receive temporary accommodation in safe shelters for up to 90 days, which may be extended under valid circumstances, and no survivor shall be returned or released to an alleged perpetrator, abusive environment, or unsafe setting.
De Lima’s measure draws inspiration from Quezon City’s Bahay Kanlungan — the first local government unit-run shelter providing comprehensive medical, psychological, police, and legal assistance to women, children, and LGBTQ+ victim-survivors of gender-based violence.
“Victims of abuse or those at risk must have a safe place to go. This is essential not only to protect them from further harm, but also to provide a stable foundation where they can begin healing and rebuilding their lives,” de Lima said.
“Recognizing the success of Quezon City’s Bahay Kanlungan, we seek to enact a law that replicates and institutionalizes this protective model nationwide,” she added.
