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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider CHR supports Senate bill on free menstrual products for indigent women, students in public schools

CHR supports Senate bill on free menstrual products for indigent women, students in public schools

Published Aug 13, 2024 03:21 am

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expressed full support to Senate Bill (SB) No. 2658, the proposed Free Menstrual Products Act, that would provide menstrual products for indigent women and those in the primary and secondary public schools.

SB 2658, which was filed by Sen. Juan Edgardo "Sonny" M. Angara, requires the Department of Health (DOH), together with the Department of Education (DepEd), to provide free menstrual products to primary and secondary students of all public schools nationwide.

The bill also covers the health and hygiene of women in disadvantaged communities as it requires the DOH, local government units (LGUs), and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to distribute to them the needed menstrual products. 

In a statement, the CHR said that menstruation is a natural monthly cycle that should not be excluded in the distribution of basic services and needs. It then lauded SB 2658 for "empowering" women and giving them the potential to enjoy better living conditions.

"The Commission welcomes SB 2658 as it reinforces the implementation of Article II, Section 15 of the 1987 Constitution which protects citizen’s right to health, and Republic Act No. 9710, or the Magna Carta of Women, which promotes basic health care and services especially for the marginalized sectors," the CHR stressed. 

As a signatory of the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the CHR pointed out that it is about time that the Philippines adopt local policies to address their commitment signed under the Convention.

The CEDAW ensures that there is equal access and opportunities for all women through appropriate measures and legislations which protect and promote their rights, it said.

"The Commission recognizes the urgency of menstrual health in the country as a human rights issue and calls for the collaboration of Congress to expedite the passage of this legislation in advancing the right to health in the country," it added. 

Related Tags

HUMAN RIGHT Menstruation Senate Bill No Menstrual period Commission on Human Rights Sonny Angara menstrual products
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