Free Menstrual Products Act

TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session AUG -6 A9:49 SENATE RECEIVED BY: S. No. 988 Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada AN ACT PROMOTING MENSTRUAL HEALTH AND HYGIENE BY PROVIDING FREE MENSTRUAL PRODUCTS TO INDIGENT WOMEN AND TO GIRLS ENROLLED IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS NATIONWIDE AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR EXPLANATORY NOTE Empowering women is not just an act of justice; it is a cornerstone of national development. Women play a pivotal role in shaping families, communities, and the nation. As the bearers of life and nurturers of future generations, their well-being is central to the country's progress. With a population of nearly 120 million-comprising over 34 million adolescent girls and women of reproductive age-the State has a responsibility to protect their rights and ensure access to essential resources, particularly in healthcare. Menstruation, a natural and vital biological process, is a defining aspect of womanhood and human development. However, for countless women and girls in the Philippines, menstruation comes with unnecessary challenges due to Period Poverty-the lack of access to affordable menstrual hygiene products and services. A 2023 survey conducted by the Humanist Alliance Philippines (HAPI) revealed that 74% of women aged 14 to 30 have missed school or work because they lacked access to feminine hygiene products or felt ashamed to leave their homes without them.

This issue goes beyond inconvenience. Period Poverty exposes women and girls to serious health risks, including reproductive and urinary tract infections, and exacerbates inequality by limiting their ability to fully participate in education, work, and social life. It undermines their dignity, confidence, and opportunities, perpetuating systemic barriers to gender equality. This measure seeks to eradicate Period Poverty by providing free menstrual health and hygiene products to indigent women nationwide and to girls enrolled in public schools. Access to these essential products will enable millions of women and girls to lead healthier lives, attend school, and work without interruptions caused by lack of proper menstrual supplies. By addressing this basic yet critical need, the State empowers women to thrive, free from the stigma and hardships associated with menstruation. Furthermore, the measure supports the local economy by mandating the promotion and use of Philippine-made menstrual hygiene products. This provision fosters the growth of domestic industries, creates jobs, and strengthens the economy while ensuring a steady supply of affordable sanitary goods. It reinforces the idea that addressing women's needs can drive both social and economic development. Menstrual hygiene products are not luxuries— they are necessities. This measure aligns with the State's commitment to gender equality, social dignity, and sustainable development. By ensuring access to these essential items, we break down barriers that hinder women's progress and reaffirm their equal place in society. This initiative is more than just a solution to a public health issue-it is a statement that the country values its women and recognizes their critical contributions to nation-building. By tackling Period Poverty, we pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable society, where no woman or girl is held back due to a lack of access to basic necessities. Together, we can create a future where every woman has the opportunity to reach her full potential, benefiting not only herself but the nation as a whole.

In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA

ofter of this TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session AUG -6 A9:49 SENATE RECEIVED BY S. No. Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada AN ACT PROMOTING MENSTRUAL HEALTH AND HYGIENE BY PROVIDING FREE MENSTRUAL PRODUCTS TO INDIGENT WOMEN AND TO GIRLS ENROLLED IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS NATIONWIDE AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Free Menstrual Products Act".

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to protect and promote

the right to health of all Filipinos, regardless of their sex and gender, and instill health consciousness among them, to provide equal access to education and work. It is also 5 the policy of the State to promote gender equality by ensuring girls and women have 6 access to proper menstrual health and hygiene.

Sec. 3. Distribution of Free Menstrual Products in Public Schools. -The

8 Department of Health (DOH), in coordination with the Department of Education 9 (DepEd), shall provide free menstrual products to female students enrolled in all public primary and secondary schools nationwide.

Sec. 4. Distribution of Free Menstrual Products in Public Health Centers. - The

DOH, in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Local Government Units (LGUs), shall distribute menstrual products to indigent women, as identified and verified by the DSWD or by the local social welfare and development officer of the LGU, through its Barangay Health Centers nationwide.

Sec. 5. Promotion of Locally-Made Menstrual Hygiene Products. - In coordination

with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Tatak Pinoy Council, the DOH shall ensure that locally-made menstrual hygiene products are included in the distribution of free menstrual hygiene products depending on availability and in accordance with the provisions of relevant procurement laws. Guidelines shall be formulated by the DTI and the Tatak Pinoy Council to promote and to develop the domestic menstrual hygiene product industry in line with Republic Act No. 11981.

Sec. 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DOH, in consultation and

coordination with the DepEd, the DSWD, the DTI shall promulgate the Implementing 26 Rules and Regulations within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act.

Sec. 7. Appropriation. - The amount necessary for the implementation of this Act

shall be included in the budget of the DOH under the General Appropriations Act 15 29 (GAA).

Sec. 8. Separability Clause. - If for any reason, any provision of this Act is

31 declared to be unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining provisions not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.

Sec. 9. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive

order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified, or amended accordingly.

Sec. 10. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,