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MANILA, Philippines — A bill filed in the House of Representatives has proposed a paid two-week leave of absence and other benefits for men who undergo procedures for reproductive system-related conditions such as prostate cancer, infertility and other ailments.
Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro’s House Bill No. 11020, or the Special Workplace Benefits for Men Act of 2024, seeks to bring attention to the “often-overlooked” issue of andrological procedures and promote accessible treatment options for conditions unique to men.
“A male member of the workforce having rendered continuous aggregate employment service of at least six months for the last 12 months shall be entitled to a special leave benefit of two weeks with full pay based on his gross monthly compensation following surgery caused by andrological disorders,” it stated.
The bill also wants a “Male Andrological Section” in all public hospitals, medical centers and institutions to provide health services to male workers.
HB 11020 further ensures that men have access to comprehensive and gender-responsive health services and programs as well as complete, timely and accurate information about their health.
It tasks the Department of Health and Department of Social Welfare and Development to implement and craft the guidelines for the measure. —Jeannette I. Andrade