Women's Rights in the Philippines: A List of Laws Protecting Women and Mothers

Do you know the laws that protect women’s rights in the Philippines? In the light of Women’s Month this March, we compiled a list of laws (Republic Acts) that have been signed which protect and support women and mothers in the Philippines.  Read about the newly signed law on breastfeeding in a separate article.  
 
RA 6725

(April 27, 1989)An Act Strengthening the Prohibition on Discrimination Against Women with Respect to Terms and Conditions of Employment, Amending for the Purpose Article One Hundred Thirty-Five of the Labor Code, As Amended
 
RA 6972

(November 23, 1990)An Act Establishing a Day Care Center in Every Barangay Instituting Therein a Total Development and Protection of Children Program, Appropriating Funds Therefor, and for Other Purposes
 
RA 7192

(December 11, 1991)An Act Promoting the Integration of Women as Full and Equal Partners of Men in Development and Nation Building and for Other Purposes  
 
RA 7322

(March 30, 1992)An Act Increasing Maternity Benefits in Favor of Women Workers in the Private Sector, Amending for the Purpose Section 14-A of Republic Act No. 1161, as Amended and for Other Purposes  
 
RA 7600

(June 17, 1992)An Act Requiring All Government and Private Health Institutions with Obstetrical Services to Adopt Rooming-in and Breastfeeding Practices and for Other Purposes  
 
RA 7688

(March 3, 1994)An Act Giving Representation to Women in Social Security Commission Amending for the Purpose Section 3(A) of Republic Act 1161, as Amended  
 
RA 7822

(February 20, 1995)An Act Providing Assistance to Women Engaging in Micro and Cottage Business Enterprises, and for Other Purposes
 
RA 8353

(September 30, 1997) – this includes marital rapeAn Act Expanding the Definition of the Crime of Rape, Reclassifying the Same as a Crime Against Persons, Amending for the Purpose Act No. 3815, as Amended, Otherwise Known as the Revised Penal Code, and for Other Purposes  
 
RA 8369

(October 28, 1997)An Act Establishing Family Courts, granting Them Exclusive Original Jurisdiction Over Child and Family Cases, Amending Batas Pambansa No. 192, as Amended, Otherwise Known as the Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980, Appropriating Funds Therefor and for Other Purposes
 
RA 9262

(March 8, 2004) An Act Defining Violence Against Women and Their Children, Providing Protective Measures for Victims, Prescribing Penalties Therefor and for Other Purposes
 
You can read the entire law or Republic Act at this site: ChanRobles.com


Additional source:
National Statistical Coordination Board website