New bill seeks 3 paid leave days a month for menstrual pain

The measure is currently pending before the House Committee on Labor and Employment.

Women experiencing menstrual pain could receive up to three paid leave days a month under a proposed measure filed in the House of Representatives.

House Bill No. 10771, or the Menstrual Leave Act, was authored by Pampanga Rep. Carmelo G. Lazatin Jr. It seeks to grant female employees a maximum of three paid menstrual leave days every month for menstruation- or menstrual cycle-related pain.

Under the proposal, the leave would only apply to employees experiencing menstruation or related symptoms. It would not cover pregnancy, post-menopause, or employees who are not undergoing their menstrual cycle.

The bill also states that menstrual leave would be non-cumulative and non-convertible to cash.

Beyond paid leave, the measure prohibits employers from discriminating against or dismissing female employees for availing themselves of menstrual leave.

In its explanatory note, the bill argues that menstrual health concerns can affect women’s participation in the workplace and should not become a disadvantage for female employees.

It also cites Philippine Commission on Women data showing that women’s labor force participation stood at 53.4%, compared with 74.7% for men, and says supporting women’s health can help improve workplace inclusion and retention.

The bill is currently pending before the House Committee on Labor and Employment.

It is not yet a law. Like all proposed legislation, it must still be approved by both the House of Representatives and the Senate before it can be sent to the President for signature.

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