CMK | List of Laws Protecting Women in the Philippines

105-Day Expanded Maternity Leave Law

Republic Act 11210, also known as the Expanded Maternity Leave Law, was signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte in February 2019. It increases the previous 60-day (or 78 days for caesarian section deliveries for women working in the private sector) paid maternity leave to 105 days. The law also provides for an opportunity to prolong unpaid leave for an extra 30 days. Female single parents shall also be entitled to an additional 15 days of paid maternity leave.

Prohibition on Discrimination Against Women

RA 6725 forbids discrimination in work terms and conditions based only on a person's sex. According to this regulation, discrimination occurs when an employer gives a male employee the edge over a female employee in terms of promotions, training chances, and other perks just because of their gender.

Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004

RA 9262, or An Act Defining Violence Against Women and Their Children, Providing Protective Measures for Victims, Prescribing Penalties Therefor and for Other Purposes, recognizes the need to protect the family and its members particularly women and children, from violence and threats to their personal safety and security. The state also recognizes the need to protect the family and its members, especially women and children, from violence and threats to their personal safety and security under this law.

Assistance for small-scale women entrepreneurs

RA 7882, or the Act to Provide Assistance to Women Engaged in Micro and Cottage Business Enterprises, and for Other Purposes, was passed in February 1995. This law aims to assist Filipino women in their pursuit of owning, operating, and managing small business enterprises.

Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995

Sexual harassment that occurs in a work, educational, or training context is addressed under RA 7877. On February 14, 1995, it was officially enacted by former President Fidel Ramos.

It is illegal to demand sexual favors as a prerequisite for employment, promotions, or other privileges, or to refuse to do so if doing so would restrict, segregate, or otherwise categorize the employee in a way that would be discriminatory, obstruct their access to opportunities for employment, or have other negative effects.

The Anti-Rape Law of 1997

According to RA 8353, anybody who obtains carnal knowledge of a woman by using coercion, threats, or intimidation, as well as dishonest methods or serious abuse of power, shall be held accountable. The offense may be penalized by reclusion perpetua or life in prison, depending on the seriousness of the case.

Rape Victim Assistance and Protection Act of 1998

According to RA 8505, it is Government action to offer rape victims the appropriate support and protection. In order to build and run rape crisis centers in every province and city that would aid and protect rape victims in the litigation of their cases and their rehabilitation, the government must coordinate its many agencies and non-governmental groups.

Magna Carta of Women

RA 9710 is a comprehensive legislation on women's human rights that aims to end discrimination by recognizing, defending, enforcing, and promoting the rights of Filipino women, particularly those who belong to the society's underprivileged groups. It communicates a set of women's rights that are based purely on international law. Executive Order 273, which stipulates the implementation of the Philippine Plan for Gender-Responsive Development, 1995-2025, is in accordance with this legislation.

National Women's Day

The eighth day of March is a designated special working holiday under RA 6949 every year. This ensures a meaningful celebration of the holiday, and it requires that all heads of government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned and controlled corporations as well as local government units, as well as employers in the private sector, encourage and provide their staff with enough time and opportunities to engage in any National Women's Day-related activities that are held on the premises of their respective offices or establishments.

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© Cudis, C. (2019, March 5). List of laws protecting women in ph | Philippine News Agency. List of laws protecting women in PH. Retrieved December 19, 2022, from https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1063739