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House bill outlawing non-hiring of women due to 'ability to get pregnant' moves forward

Philippines | National

House bill outlawing non-hiring of women due to 'ability to get pregnant' moves forward

By Ellson Quismorio

If you think that a woman should not lose out on a job just because she could potentially get pregnant, then this bill is for you.

(Unsplash)

The House of Representatives recently passed on second reading House Bill (HB) No.4479, or the proposed Act expanding the prohibited acts of discrimination against women on account of sex.

The measure seeks to amend for this purpose Presidential Decree (PD) No.442, as amended, otherwise known as the Labor Code of the Philippines.

The pro-women bill went from sponsorship on the House plenary floor all the way to second reading approval during the course of the session on Monday, Nov.21.

Sponsoring HB No.4479 was lead author Calamba City lone district Rep. Charisse Anne Hernandez. According to her, the measure will prohibit employers from choosing not to hire women on account of “her monthly period and her ability to get pregnant".

“A woman being a woman has nothing to do with their work ethics, productivity, and efficiency as a member of our labor force,” said Hernandez, who is a vice chairperson of the House Committee on Labor and Employment.

“Women can do things equally as men," she further highlighted.

Specifically, the bill--endorsed to the plenary by the labor and employment panel--aims to revise Article 135 of the Labor Code.

Deputy Speaker and Pampanga 3rd district Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr., who presided over Monday's session, later announced the second reading approval of the measure after a simple voice vote (ayes vs. nayes).

This paves the way for HB No.4479's possible approval on third and final reading by House members next week.

Related Tags

Women discrimination labor code second reading charisse anne hernandez 112322 men Employers job pregnant

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