WOMEN and the
LAW
by:
Legal and Community Relations
Department
Significance of Women’s
Month
The Philippine government recognizes the role and
influence of women in the country, the reason various
laws have been crafted to guarantee their protection
as well their well-being in work or in household.
Thus, Republic Act No. 6949 of 1990 was enacted to
declare the 8th day of March of every year as a working
special holiday in the Philippines to be known as
National Women’s Day.
The law ensures meaningful observance as herein
declared that the government and employers in the
private sector encourage and afford sufficient time and
opportunities for their women employees to engage
and participate in any activity conducted within the
premises of their respective offices and establishments
to celebrate NATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY.
In light of the National Women’s Month
Celebration here is a list of laws covering the
Filipino women’s rights in the Philippines:
Republic Act No. 6725 of 1989
Republic Act No. 7877 of 1995
Republic Act No. 8353 of 1997
Republic Act No. 8505 of 1998
Republic Act No. 9262 of 2004
Republic Act No. 9710 of 2009
Republic Act No. 11210 of
2019
Republic Act No. 6725 of
1989
Also known as “AN ACT STRENTHENING THE PROHIBITION ON
DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMENT WITH RESPECT TO TERMS AND
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT”
This Act amending the purpose of Art. 135 of the Labor Code
relating to Discrimination with respect to terms and conditions of
employment solely on the basis of sex.
The following are acts of discrimination:
(a) Payment of a lesser compensation, including wage, salary or
other form of remuneration and fringe benefits, to a female
employee as against a male employee, for work of equal value;
and
(b) Favoring a male employee over a female employee with respect
to promotion, training, opportunities, study and scholarship
grants solely on account of their sexes.
Thus, under this law any employer favoring a male employee over
a female in terms of promotion, training opportunities, and other
benefits solely on the account of sex considered as
“DISCRIMINATION”.
Republic Act No. 7877 of
1995
Also known as the “ANTI-SEXUAL HARRASMENT
ACT OF 1995”
The law addresses the issue of sexual harassment
committed in employment, education or training
environment.
SEXUAL FAVOR made as a condition in the
employment or granting promotions or privileges;
or the refusal to grant the sexual favor results in
limiting, segregating or classifying the employee
in which in any way would discriminate, deprive,
or diminish employment opportunities or
otherwise adversely affect is punishable under
this law.
Republic Act No. 8353 of
1997
Also known as the “ The Anti-Rape Law of
1997”
This Act states that any person having
carnal knowledge of a woman through force,
threat, or intimidation or means of
fraudulent machination or grave abuse of
authority will be punished.
Depending on the severity of the case, the
offense may be punishable by reclusion
perpetua or life imprisonment.
Republic Act No. 8505 of
1998
Also knowns as “THE RAPE VICTIM ASSISTANCE AND
PROTECTION OF 1998”
This law adheres to the policy of the state to provide
necessary assistance and protection of the rape victims.
The Philippine Government shall coordinate with its
various agencies and non-government organizations to
work hand in hand for the establishment and operation
of a rape crisis center in every province and city that
shall assist and protect rape victims in the litigation of
their cases and their recovery.
Republic Act No. 9262 of 2024
This law is also known as “AN ACT DEFINING VIOLENCE
AGAINST WOMEN AND THEIR CHILDREN, PROVIDING FOR
PROTECTITIVE MEASURES FOR VICTIMS, PRESCRIBING
PENALTIES THEREFORE, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES”.
Under this law, the state also recognizes the need to
protect the family and its members particularly women
and children, from violence and threats to their personal
safety and security.
Violence against women and their children refers to any
act or a series of acts committed by any person against a
woman who is his wife, former wife, or against a woman
with whom the person has or had a sexual or dating
relationship, or with whom he has a common child, or
against her child whether legitimate or illegitimate,
within or without the family abode, which result in or is
likely to result in PHYSICAL, SEXUAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL
harm or suffering, or ECONOMIC ABUSE including threats
of such acts, battery, assault, coercion, harassment or
arbitrary deprivation of liberty.
Republic Act No. 9710 of
2009
This law is also known as the “MAGNA CARTA
OF WOMEN”
This is a comprehensive women rights law in
the Philippines that seeks to eliminate
discrimination through the recognition,
protection, and promotion of the rights of
Filipino women, especially those belonging in
the marginalized sectors of the society.
It conveys a framework of rights for women
based directly on Internation Law.
Thus, the State and other duty-bearers must
comply with the legal norms and standards
enshrined in international human rights
instrument in accordance with the Philippine
Constitution.
Republic Act No.11210 of
2019
This is also known as the “EXPANDED
MATERNITY LEAVE LAW OF 2019”
Signed into law on February 2019 that extends
the previous 60-day ( 78 day for caesarian
section delivery for women workers in the
private sector) paid maternity leave to 105 days.
The law also entails an option to extend for an
additional 30 days of unpaid leave.
Additional 15 days paid maternity leave shall
also be granted to female solo parents.
Interesting facts about Women’s History in
the Philippines.
Suffrage
The women's suffrage movement in the Philippines was
one of the first, major occasions on which women
grouped together politically. It was also one of the first
women's rights movements, and endeavored to attain
the right for women to vote and run for office.
Education
According to the Philippine Statistics Office- Philippines
2020 Census of Population and Housing, the literacy
rate of the nation was recorded at 97.0 %.It was also
found that the literacy rate for females was 97.1 % and
males was 96.08%.
Political Participation
Filipino women have become increasingly involved in politics on
both the local and national level. Scholars believe that the rise of
women leaders can be largely attributed to familial connection
and the church support gives to women.[
THANK YOU!
ABANTE BABAE: BABAE KA
HINDI BABAE LANG…
Happy Women’s Month
KSPC!
