Quezon City backs persons with HIV

The Quezon City government is set to coordinate with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for an ordinance that prohibits employers from discriminating against their workers who have or are believed to be infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Mayor Herbert Bautista has signed a law that could result in the revocation of the business permit or license to operate of an employer found committing acts or implementing policies, including requiring compulsory HIV testing for job applicants and current employees, that discriminate against a person who is HIV-positive or suspected of having HIV.

The city government will also talk to concerned government agencies and stakeholders about the ordinance that requires all city-based offices to integrate HIV and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome education for all employers and employees in all their human development programs.—Jeannette I. Andrade