ANGELES CITY – Pampanga 1st District Rep. Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. is pushing for the grant of menstrual leave to female employees through House Bill No. 10771, filed on Aug 13.
To be known as the “Menstrual Leave Act,” the bill states that female employees in the public and private sectors shall be entitled to a maximum of three days of menstrual leave with pay every month to allow them to recover from the discomforts of health conditions associated with menstruation. Such leave shall be non-cumulative and non-convertible to cash.
Likewise, HB 10771 states that any female employee who avails herself of menstrual leave shall not be subjected to any form of discrimination, harassment or retaliation in the workplace, and demotion or termination.
“Women contribute significantly to the growth of the Philippine economy, especially those who are part of the labor force; however, they may experience health-related setbacks, including menstrual pain and other menstrual-related medical conditions, which may affect their ability to perform their work,” Lazatin said.
Lazatin has been known to champion legislation promoting the health and welfare of women.
On March 30, 2026, Lazatin filed HB 8811, which mandates the establishment of lactation (breastfeeding) stations in rural health units and barangay health centers, and providing for human milk banks meeting standards by the Department of Health.
Under HB 8811, lactation stations shall be established by all local government units in RHUs and BHCs to provide private, clean, and accessible areas conducive for nursing mothers to feed their children.
Likewise, HB 8811 mandates the establishment of human ‘milk banks’ in RHUs and BHCs; provided that no human milk bank shall operate unless accredited or licensed by the DOH, in accordance with standards set in RA 10028 (Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009).
On October 28, 2025, Lazatin also filed HB 5702, which seeks to include mammography services in public hospitals and examinations for breast cancer in rural health centers.
HB 5702 mandates the provision of mammography services, either annually or as medically necessary, in qualified public hospitals and in coordination with the DOH.
Further, it mandates that regular monthly breast examinations be provided by qualified medical practitioners assigned to every rural health center. Team Lazatin Media
