Netizens divided over proposed menstrual leave legislation
Vulvani, CC BY-SA 4.0
Unlike the divorce bill, which was nearly unanimously welcomed by netizens after it was approved Tuesday by the House Committee on Population and Family Relation, a proposed menstrual leave legislation drew mixed reactions on social media.
Gabriela party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas on Wednesday filed House Bill 7758, which seeks to grant a maximum of two paid menstrual leaves per month to all female employees in the private and public sectors.
According to Gabriela, the bill seeks to provide women with flexibility and support they need to manage their reproductive health without the fear of negative consequences such as losing pay, falling behind at work, or facing disciplinary action.
The bill defines ‘menstrual leave’ as a benefit given to female workers which allows them not to report for work for up to two days every month due to premenstrual or menstrual tension but continues to earn 100% of the compensation.
As a form of exercising reproductive rights, Gabriela said the bill must not be used as a basis for demotion in employment or termination. However, it excludes pregnant and menopausal women.
The proposed measure was lauded by many citizens, particularly by working women who suffer debilitating cramps and other discomforts during their monthly period.
Among those expressing misgivings about the proposed bill were former Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson and health reform advocate Dr. Tony Leachon on grounds of universality of application, its potential for abuse, and the possibility that the bill might dissuade employers from hiring women.
