Olivia Barredo
May 1, 2023

Filipino women have been known to have been working far longer than Philippine history has documented, and the legislation and enactment of labor laws had only truly been documented and kept once the country was under American rule. Still, significant moments in history have led to the establishment, development, and amendment of labor laws for women, which have since then led us to a better and more progressive country. These laws, although recognizing the rights of women, are still by no means perfect, but still certainly worth celebrating. As we celebrate this year’s Labor Day, let us remember some of the key labor laws that have been enacted in the Philippines that have elevated the status of women and have protected their rights both as women, and as workers. 

 

A Timeline of Women’s Labor Laws

 

 

1919, Congress of Labor, Philippines

 

A turning point in the country’s labor history, the dire working conditions faced by women and children were discussed, leading to the enactment of a law to regulate the safety of their employment. The law was a significant step towards protecting the rights of women and children in the workplace, ensuring that they would not be exploited or subjected to harsh working conditions, especially considering that the country was still recovering from the Philippine-American War. 

 

The law included provisions for a minimum age requirements for employment, restrictions on working hours, and measures to ensure safe and healthy working environments. It was by no means perfect and there were a considerable amount of challenges in its implementation, but it was still a significant achievement in the fight for labor rights.

 

 

1960, Enactment of R.A 2714, “An Act to Establish in the Department of Labor a Bureau to be Known as Women and Minors Bureau”

 

The Philippine Department of Labor established the Bureau of Women and Minors to promote, develop and safeguard the welfare of working women and minors. The bureau aimed to ensure that women and minors received equal pay and opportunities as their male counterparts in order for them to properly provide for their social, education, and cultural development. Mandating a safe and healthy working environment was imperative as well to this Republic Act.

 

 

1974, Enactment of the Labor Code of the Philippines

 

Undoubtedly one of the most significant turning points in the country’s labor history, The Labor Code of the Philippines aimed to promote social justice, protect workers’ rights, and improve the working conditions and welfare of employees, regardless of gender. Surely elevating the status of women in the workforce, the Labor Code also mandated that women be provided with maternity leaves and other benefits to support their needs while also addressing the roles they play in the family. 

 

 

1987, The 1987 Philippine Constitution Took Effect

 

One of the most significant milestones in the country, the establishment and legislation of the 1987 Philippine Constitution recognized and upheld the fundamental rights of women, and recognized their importance in nation-building. It explicitly prohibits discrimination and promotes gender equality in various areas of society, such as education, politics, and the workplace. It provided a strong foundation for the promotion and protection of women’s rights and their recognition of contributions to society.

 

 

1989, Enactment of R.A 6725 “An Act Strengthening the Prohibition on Discrimination Against Women with Respect to Terms and Conditions of Employment”.

 

Aimed to eliminate discrimination against women in the workplace, the act mandated that employers provide equal remuneration for work of equal value and prohibited the imposition of requirements that were discriminatory towards women–from hiring, promotion, to compensation. It explicitly defined acts of discrimination against women and imposed punishments for those who did not follow the regulations. The Act has undergone various amendments to address new challenges and emerging issues related to women’s rights in the workplace, and has remained a crucial legal instrument for protecting and promoting gender equality in the workplace.

 

 

2009, Enactment of R.A 9710 “The Magna Carta of Women”

 

A comprehensive women’s rights legislation that aims to not only strengthen the existing legislations and policies that protect and empower women and their rights, but also to eradicate gender-based discrimination against women in various aspects of society. It mandates equal opportunities for women in all spheres of life–political, economic, and social–and  ensures that women will have access to education, employment, healthcare, and other basic services.. It also mandates the prevention and punishment of all forms of violence against women, including sexual harassment, abuse, and trafficking.

 

 

2018, Enactment of the R.A 11210 , the “105 Day Expanded Maternity Leave Law”

 

The Expanded Maternity Leave Law was a landmark legislation for working women in the Philippines, as it provides 105 days of paid maternity leave for working mothers–a significant increase from the previous 60 day leave period. The law allows for an additional 30 days leave period for single mothers who often face more challenges in raising their children. It also covers the unfortunate circumstances of a miscarriage or an emergency termination of pregnancy and includes many other benefits for expecting mothers in the workplace.

 

 

2019, Enactment of RA 11313: "Safe Spaces Act"

 

Signed into law in 2019, the Safe Spaces Act seeks to provide a safe environment for all individuals in the Philippines–not just including women. The law, however, recognizes the prevalence of gender-based sexual harassment in public spaces–streets, alleys, and public transportation–and aims to eliminate it. It mandates the creation of gender-responsive help desks and the designation of safe zones in public areas, and imposes penalties on individuals found guilty of committing gender-based harassment, including imprisonment and fines. 

 

 

The struggle for gender equality in the workplace has been a long and ongoing one, but the progress that has been made so far is definitely worth celebrating. Women have fought hard to be recognized as equal members of the workforce, and it is essential to remember the significant strides in the Philippines towards gender equality, especially as we commemorate this year’s Labor Day.