Understanding the Anti-VAWC Act
By: Atty. Mary Grace S. Tejada on March 12, 2026
EVERY March 8, the world celebrates International Women’s Day to recognize their achievements of women and shed light on issues and struggles they face, particularly violence and discrimination.
In the Philippines, Republic 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004 (Anti-VAWC Act), is one of the primary legal measures by which the rights of women and their children are protected.
The Anti-VAWC Act defines “violence against women” as any act or series of acts committed by any person against a woman who is that person’s wife, former wife, or with whom that person has or had a sexual or dating relationship, or with whom that person has a common child or against her child. The Supreme Court has held that the Anti-VAWC Act protects all women, including those in lesbian relationships, as well as women in past or former relationships.
The law does not limit the liability solely to the woman’s husband or intimate partner. Responsibility under the law may extend to individuals who acted in conspiracy with the perpetrator to inflict violence against the woman. Thus, in one case, the Supreme Court ruled that the parents-in-law may be held liable under the Anti-VAWC Act upon showing that they conspired with the husband in committing violence against the wife.
Types of violence
A complaint for violation of the Anti-VAWC Act may be based on acts that constitute any form of violence against women, which is generally categorized as physical violence, sexual violence, psychological violence and economic abuse.
Physical violence consists of any act that causes bodily or physical harm against a woman, including the threat or the attempt to inflict such harm. In one instance, the Supreme Court upheld the right of the woman to file a criminal case under the Anti-VAWC Act against her ex-boyfriend on the basis of physical violence, even though their dating relationship had ceased at the time of the assault. The Supreme Court clarified that what is essential is the establishment of a past or present relationship between the offender and the victim at the time the physical harm was committed.
Sexual violence includes rape, sexual harassment or acts of lasciviousness against the woman. It also contemplates any act that forces a woman to perform sexual activity against her will, as well as the prostitution of the woman or her child.
Psychological violence are acts or omissions that cause or are likely to cause mental or emotional suffering to the woman, such as harassment, intimidation, stalking, public ridicule or humiliation, as well as repeated verbal and emotional abuse. The Supreme Court has, in a number of cases, ruled that marital infidelity may be a form of psychological violence punishable under the law.
Economic abuse refers to acts that make or attempt to make a woman financially dependent, such as withdrawing financial support or preventing her from engaging in any legitimate profession, occupation or business activity, depriving her of financial resources, destroying household property or controlling her money or properties. Thus, denial of financial support for the woman, when done with the intent of controlling or restricting her conduct, may constitute economic abuse punishable under the law.
Protection order
The Anti-VAWC Act also provides for the issuance of protection orders to prevent further acts of violence against the woman or her child. The protection orders that may be issued under the law may be categorized into three types — Barangay Protection Order (BPO), Temporary Protection Order (TPO) or Permanent Protection Order (PPO).
A BPO is an immediate protection order issued by the punong barangay, or, in his absence, by any barangay kagawad, directing the perpetrator to desist from committing or threatening to commit physical harm against a woman or her child. As a short-term remedy, a BPO is valid for 15 days from the date of its issuance.
A TPO is a 30-day protection order issued by the court on the date of the filing of the application after ex parte determination (a legal decision made on the request and evidence of only one party, without the other party being present, notified or heard) that such order shall be issued.
A PPO refers to the protection order issued by the court after notice and hearing. It shall be effective until revoked by the court upon application of the person in whose favor it was issued.
Protection orders prohibit the offender from harassing, contacting or communicating with the victim. It likewise directs the offender to stay away from the victim or any place she frequents.
This Women’s Month, it is important for women to be aware of the Anti-VAWC Act and know their legal remedies and protective measures against acts of violence against them. By promoting greater understanding of these rights, women can better protect themselves, their dignity and well-being.
Mary Grace S. Tejada is an associate of Mata-Perez, Tamayo & Francisco (MTF Counsel). This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional advice where the facts and circumstances warrant. If you have any question or comment regarding this article, you may email the author at info@mtfcounsel.com or visit MTF website at www.mtfcounsel.com.
The article was published at the More to Follow Column at The Manila Times on March 12, 2026. Please see this link.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/03/12/business/top-business/understanding-the-anti-vawc-act/2298057