Akbayan Representative Perci Cendaña is championing a bill aimed at dismantling barriers for marginalized communities seeking government services. House Bill 11078, also known as the Open Door Policy Act or the Bawal Judgemental Bill, seeks to eliminate discriminatory dress codes in government offices that provide frontline services.

Cendaña argues that these dress codes often exclude the poor and indigenous communities, preventing them from accessing essential services due to their inability to meet arbitrary attire standards.

"Unfortunately, strict dress code policies lead to the exclusion of marginalized communities," Cendaña explained. "We want to remove this judgmental approach towards attire, especially when clothing has no connection to the service being accessed."

Making Government Services Truly Accessible

Under the proposed bill, government offices will no longer be allowed to enforce dress codes for simple transactions unless the prescribed attire is directly relevant to the service. This change aims to foster inclusivity, ensuring that services are available to everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic background.

"Not everyone can afford an ‘outfit check’ just to visit a government office," Cendaña added. "We want these offices to welcome everyone, no matter their financial standing."

If enacted, the Bawal Judgemental Bill will help remove barriers for citizens, enabling them to fully experience government services without fear of discrimination based on their clothing.

Beyond Dress Codes: Advocacies and Legislative Efforts

In a recent discussion, Rep. Cendaña shared more about his legislative priorities, which include the SOGIE Equality Bill, the Kian Delos Santos Bill, and reforms to the Mining Act.

Among these, Cendaña elaborated briefly on their stance regarding mining practices. He emphasized opposition to open-pit mining, a method that flattens mountains and destroys forests.

"We want mining practices to be more sustainable and responsible," he said. "Open-pit mining leaves long-term damage to the environment, and we must discourage it."

The Mining Act reforms aim to strike a balance between the economic benefits of mining and environmental conservation, advocating for methods that minimize ecological harm and respect indigenous lands.

Why This Matters

The Bawal Judgemental Bill and other initiatives by Rep. Cendaña reflect a broader push for equity, sustainability, and inclusivity. By addressing social, environmental, and legislative concerns, Cendaña aims to build a society that values fairness and accessibility for all.