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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Lady solon's bill to make menstruation products free

Lady solon's bill to make menstruation products free

Published Oct 7, 2025 07:37 pm

At A Glance

  • Menstruation products cost money. And for poor families, every peso counts. This was Akbayan Party-list Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula's motivation for filing House Bill (HB) No.5179, or the Free Period Products Bill.
(Unsplash)
(Unsplash)


Menstruation products cost money. And for poor families, every peso counts.
This was Akbayan Party-list Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula's motivation for filing House Bill (HB) No.5179, or the Free Period Products Bill.
According to the minority congresswoman, the measure intends to get rid of what she calls "period poverty" by guaranteeing free and accessible menstrual hygiene products in all public schools and health centers nationwide.
"The cost of pads and tampons has been a silent barrier, forcing girls to miss classes and women to skip work. Ang pagbibigay natin ng libreng menstrual products ay hindi lang usapin ng kalusugan, kundi katarungan din,” Ismula said in a statement Tuesday, Oct. 7.
(The distribution of free menstrual products is not just a health issue, it's also about social justice.)
The proposed legislation mandates the Department of Health (DOH), in collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd), State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), and Local Government Units (LGUs), to procure and distribute a variety of period products, including sanitary napkins, tampons, reusable pads, and menstrual cups.
HB No.5179 specifies that distribution will take place in all public schools, learning institutions, and community-based health facilities like barangay health centers.
The proposed statute also takes an important step toward sustainability by promoting the use of environmentally friendly menstrual products, such as reusable pads and menstrual cups, and requires public education campaigns on proper disposal.
It also requires schools and health care providers to maintain emergency stockpiles to ensure availability during disasters or emergencies.
Ismula highlighted the measure's focus on economic justice, noting that the financial burden of menstrual products disproportionately affects low-income families.
“The Free Period Products Bill is a pro-poor and pro-women measure. Panahon na para gawing libre at accessible ang menstrual products para sa lahat (It's high time to make menstrual products free for everybody),” she said.
Joining Ismula in authoring the measure were her fellow Akbayan Party-list Reps. Chel Diokno, Perci Cendaña; and Dinagat Islands lone district Rep. Kaka Bag-ao.
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