Art. II, Sec.

12 1987 Constitution The State recognizes the sanctity of family life and shall protect and strengthen the family as a basic autonomous social institution. It shall equally protect the life of the mother and the life of the unborn from conception. The natural and primary right and duty of parents in the rearing of the youth for civic efficiency and the development of moral character shall receive the support of the Government.

#)$ To solicit, enlist or in any manner attract or induce any Filipino woman to ecome a mem er in any clu or association whose o jective is to match women for marriage to foreign nationals either on a mail&order asis or through personal introduction for a fee' #*$ To use the postal service to promote the prohi ited acts in su paragraph % hereof.1awphi1alf # $ For the manager or officer&in&charge or advertising manager of any newspaper, maga+ine, television or radio station, or other media, or of an advertising agency, printing company or other similar entities, to knowingly allow, or consent to, the acts prohi ited in the preceding paragraph. +ection 3. In case of violation of this ,ct y an association, clu , partnership, corporation, or any other entity, the incum ent officers thereof who have knowingly participated in the violation of this ,ct shall e held lia le.1awphila1f +ection 0. ,ny person found guilty y the court to have violated any of the acts herein prohi ited shall suffer an imprisonment of not less than si! #-$ years and one #%$ day ut not more than eight #.$ years, and a fine of not less than /ight thousand pesos #".,000$ ut not more than Twenty thousand pesos #"(0,000$: "rovided, That if the offender is a foreigner, he shall e immediately deported and arred forever from entering the country after serving his sentence and payment of fine. +ection 5. 1othing in this ,ct shall e interpreted as a restriction on the freedom of speech and of association for purposes not contrary to law as guaranteed y the 2onstitution. +ection 6. ,ll laws, decrees, orders, instructions, rules and regulations, or parts thereof inconsistent with this ,ct are here y repealed or modified accordingly. +ection 1. This ,ct shall take effect upon its pu lication for two #($ consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation. ,pproved: June 13, 1990

Republic of the Philippines Congress of the Philippines Metro Manila Eighth Congress Republic Act No. 6955 June 13, 1990

AN AC ! "EC#ARE $N#A%&$# 'E PRAC (CE !& )A C'(N* &(#(P(N! %!)EN &!R )ARR(A*E ! &!RE(*N NA (!NA#+ !N A )A(# !R"ER ,A+(+ AN" ! 'ER +()(#AR PRAC (CE+, (NC#$"(N* 'E A"-ER (+E)EN , P$,#(CA (!N, PR(N (N* !R "(+ R(,$ (!N !& ,R!C'$RE+, &#(ER+ AN" ! 'ER PR!PA*AN"A )A ER(A#+ (N &$R 'ERANCE 'ERE!& AN" PR!-("(N* PENA# . 'ERE&!RE Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:: +ection 1. It is the policy of the State to ensure and guarantee the enjoyment of the people of a decent standard of living. Towards this end, the State shall take measures to protect Filipino women from eing e!ploited in utter disregard of human dignity in their pursuit of economic upliftment. +ection /. "ursuant thereto, it is here y declared unlawful: #a$ For a person, natural or juridical, association, clu or any other entity to commit, directly or indirectly, any of the following acts: #%$ To esta lish or carry on a usiness which has for its purpose the matching of Filipino women for marriage to foreign nationals either on a mail&order asis or through personal introduction' #($ To advertise, pu lish, print or distri ute or cause the advertisement, pu lication, printing or distri ution of any rochure, flier, or any propaganda material calculated to promote the prohi ited acts in the preceding su paragraph'

+ection 2o. 3 (nf4ntici5e 4n5 4bortion. Art. /55. (nf4ntici5e. 3 The penalty provided for parricide in ,rticle (*- and for murder in ,rticle (*. shall e imposed upon any person who shall kill any child less than three days of age. If the crime penali+ed in this article e committed y the mother of the child for the purpose of concealing her dishonor, she shall suffer the penalty of prision

correccional in its medium and ma!imum periods, and if said crime e committed for the same purpose y the maternal grandparents or either of them, the penalty shall e prision mayor. Art. /56. (ntention4l 4bortion. 3 ,ny person who shall intentionally cause an a ortion shall suffer: %. The penalty of reclusion temporal, if he shall use any violence upon the person of the pregnant woman. (. The penalty of prision mayor if, without using violence, he shall act without the consent of the woman. ). The penalty of prision correccional in its medium and ma!imum periods, if the woman shall have consented. Art. /51. $nintention4l 4bortion. 3 The penalty of prision correccional in its minimum and medium period shall e imposed upon any person who shall cause an a ortion y violence, ut unintentionally. Art. /56. Abortion pr4ctice5 b7 the 2o84n herself of b7 her p4rents . 3 The penalty of prision correccional in its medium and ma!imum periods shall e imposed upon a woman who shall practice a ortion upon herself or shall consent that any other person should do so. ,ny woman who shall commit this offense to conceal her dishonor, shall suffer the penalty of prision correccional in its minimum and medium periods. If this crime e committed y the parents of the pregnant woman or either of them, and they act with the consent of said woman for the purpose of concealing her dishonor, the offenders shall suffer the penalty of prision correccional in its medium and ma!imum periods. Art. /59. Abortion pr4ctice5 b7 4 ph7sici4n or 8i52ife 4n5 5ispensing of 4borti9es. 3 The penalties provided in ,rticle (4- shall e imposed in its ma!imum period, respectively, upon any physician or midwife who, taking advantage of their scientific knowledge or skill, shall cause an a ortion or assist in causing the same. ,ny pharmacist who, without the proper prescription from a physician, shall dispense any a ortive shall suffer arresto mayor and a fine not e!ceeding %,000 pesos.

Republic Act No. 9110

August 10, /009

AN AC PR!-("(N* &!R 'E )A*NA CAR A !& %!)EN Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:: +ection 1. Short Title. & This ,ct shall e known as :The Magna Carta of Women:. +ection /. Declaration of Policy. & 7ecogni+ing that the economic, political, and sociocultural realities affect women8s current condition, the State affirms the role of women in nation uilding and ensures the su stantive e9uality of women and men. It shall promote empowerment of women and pursue e9ual opportunities for women and men and ensure e9ual access to resources and to development results and outcome. Further, the State reali+es that e9uality of men and women entails the a olition of the une9ual structures and practices that perpetuate discrimination and ine9uality. To reali+e this, the State shall endeavor to develop plans, policies, programs, measures, and mechanisms to address discrimination and ine9uality in the economic, political, social, and cultural life of women and men. The State condemns discrimination against women in all its forms and pursues y all appropriate means and without delay the policy of eliminating discrimination against women in keeping with the 2onvention on the /limination of ,ll Forms of :iscrimination ,gainst ;omen #2/:,;$ and other international instruments consistent with "hilippine law. The State shall accord women the rights, protection, and opportunities availa le to every mem er of society. The State affirms women8s rights as human rights and shall intensify its efforts to fulfill its duties under international and domestic law to recogni+e, respect, protect, fulfill, and promote all human rights and fundamental freedoms of women, especially marginali+ed women, in the economic, social, political, cultural, and other fields without distinction or discrimination on account of class, age, se!, gender, language, ethnicity, religion, ideology, disa ility, education, and status. The State shall provide the necessary mechanisms to enforce women8s rights and adopt and undertake all legal measures necessary to foster and promote the e9ual opportunity for women to participate in and contri ute to the development of the political, economic, social, and cultural realms. The State, in ensuring the full integration of women8s concerns in the mainstream of development, shall provide ample opportunities to enhance and develop their skills, ac9uire productive employment and contri ute to their families and communities to the fullest of their capa ilities. In pursuance of this policy, the State reaffirms the right of women in all sectors to participate in policy formulation. planning, organi+ation, implementation, management, monitoring, and evaluation of all programs, projects, and services. It shall support policies, researches, technology, and training programs and other support services such as financing, production, and marketing to encourage active participation of women in national development.

&ourteenth Congress +econ5 Regul4r +ession 5egun and held in Metro Manila, on Monday, the the twenty&eight day of 6uly, two thousand eight.

+ection 3. Principles of Human Rights of Women. & <uman rights are universal and inaliena le. ,ll people in the world are entitled to them. The universality of human rights is encompassed in the words of ,rticle % of the =niversal :eclaration of <uman 7ights, which states that all human eings are free and e9ual in dignity and rights. <uman rights are indivisi le. <uman rights are inherent to the dignity of every human eing whether they relate to civil, cultural, economic, political, or social issues. <uman rights are interdependent and interrelated. The fulfillment of one right often depends, wholly or in part, upon the fulfillment of others. ,ll individuals are e9ual as human eings y virtue of the inherent dignity of each human person. 1o one, therefore, should suffer discrimination on the asis of ethnicity, gender, age, language, se!ual orientation, race, color, religion, political, or other opinion, national, social, or geographical origin, disa ility, property, irth, or other status as esta lished y human rights standards. ,ll people have the right to participate in and access information relating to the decision& making processes that affect their lives and well& eing. 7ights& ased approaches re9uire a high degree of participation y communities, civil society, minorities, women, young people, indigenous peoples, and other identified groups. States and other duty& earers are answera le for the o servance of human rights. They have to comply with the legal norms and standards enshrined in international human rights instruments in accordance with the "hilippine 2onstitution. ;here they fail to do so, aggrieved rights&holders are entitled to institute proceedings for appropriate redress efore a competent court or other adjudicator in accordance with the rules and procedures provided y law. C'AP ER (( "E&(N( (!N !& ER)+ +ection 0. Definitions. & For purposes of this ,ct, the following terms shall mean: #a$ >;omen /mpowerment> refers to the provision, availa ility, and accessi ility of opportunities, services, and o servance of human rights which ena le women to actively participate and contri ute to the political, economic, social, and cultural development of the nation as well as those which shall provide them e9ual access to ownership, management, and control of production, and of material and informational resources and enefits in the family, community, and society. # $ >:iscrimination ,gainst ;omen> refers to any gender& ased distinction, e!clusion, or restriction which has the effect or purpose of impairing or nullifying the recognition, enjoyment, or e!ercise y women, irrespective of their marital status, on a asis of e9uality of men and women, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural, civil, or any other field.

It includes any act or omission, including y law' policy, administrative measure, or practice, that directly or indirectly e!cludes or restricts women in the recognition and promotion of their rights and their access to and enjoyment of opportunities, enefits, or privileges. , measure or practice of general application is discrimination against women if it fails to provide for mechanisms to offset or address se! or gender& ased disadvantages or limitations of women, as a result of which women are denied or restricted in the recognition and protection of their rights and in their access to and enjoyment of opportunities, enefits, or privileges' or women, more than men, are shown to have suffered the greater adverse effects of those measures or practices. Provided, finally, That discrimination compounded y or intersecting with other grounds, status, or condition, such as ethnicity, age, poverty, or religion shall e considered discrimination against women under this ,ct. #c$ >Marginali+ation> refers to a condition where a whole category of people is e!cluded from useful and meaningful participation in political, economic, social, and cultural life. #d$ >Marginali+ed> refers to the asic, disadvantaged, or vulnera le persons or groups who are mostly living in poverty and have little or no access to land and other resources, asic social and economic services such as health care, education, water and sanitation, employment and livelihood opportunities, housing, social security, physical infrastructure' and the justice system. These include, ut are not limited to, women in the following sectors and groups: #%$ >Small Farmers and 7ural ;orkers> refers to those who are engaged directly or indirectly in small farms and forest areas, workers in commercial farms and plantations, whether paid or unpaid, regular or season& ound. These shall include. ut are not limited to, #a$ small farmers who own or are still amorti+ing for lands that is not more than three #)$ hectares, tenants, leaseholders, and stewards' and # $ rural workers who are either wage earners, self& employed, unpaid family workers directly and personally engaged in agriculture, small&scale mining, handicrafts, and other related farm and off&farm activities' #($ >Fisherfolk> refers to those directly or indirectly engaged in taking, culturing, or processing fishery or a9uatic resources. These include, ut are not to e limited to, women engaged in fishing in municipal waters, coastal and marine areas, women workers in commercial fishing and a9uaculture, vendors and processors of fish and coastal products, and su sistence producers such as shell&

gatherers, managers, and producers of mangrove resources, and other related producers: #)$ >=r an "oor> refers to those residing in ur an and ur ani+a le slum or lighted areas, with or without the enefit of security of a ode, where the income of the head of the family cannot afford in a sustained manner to provide for the family8s asic needs of food, health, education, housing, and other essentials in life' #*$ >;orkers in the Formal /conomy> refers to those who are employed y any person acting directly or indirectly in the interest of an employer in relation to an employee and shall include the government and all its ranches, su divisions, and instrumentalities, all government& owned and &controlled corporations and institutions, as well as nonprofit private institutions or organi+ations' #4$ >;orkers in the Informal /conomy> refers to self&employed, occasionally or personally hired, su contracted, paid and unpaid family workers in household incorporated and unincorporated enterprises, including home workers, micro&entrepreneurs and producers, and operators of sari&sari stores and all other categories who suffer from violation of workers8 rights: #-$ >Migrant ;orkers> refers to Filipinos who are to e engaged, are engaged, or have een engaged in a remunerated activity in a State of which they are not legal residents, whether documented or undocumented' #?$ >Indigenous "eoples> refers to a group of people or homogenous societies identified y self&ascription and ascription y other, who have continuously lived as organi+ed community on communally ounded and defined territory, and who have, under claims of ownership since time immemorial, occupied' possessed customs, tradition, and other distinctive cultural traits, or who have, through resistance to political, social, and cultural inroads of coloni+ation, non& indigenous religions and culture, ecame historically differentiated from the majority of Filipinos. They shall likewise include peoples who are regarded as indigenous on account of their descent from the populations which inha ited the country, at the dime of con9uest or coloni+ation, or at the time of inroads of non&indigenous religions and cultures, or the esta lishment of present state oundaries, who retain some or all of their own social, economic, cultural, and political institutions, ut who may have een displaced from their traditional domains or who may have resettled outside their ancestral domains as defined under Section )#h$, 2hapter II of 7epu lic ,ct 1o. .)?%, otherwise known as >The Indigenous "eoples 7ights ,ct of %@@?> #I"7, of %@@?$'

#.$ >Moro> refers to native peoples who have historically inha ited Mindanao, "alawan, and Sulu, and who are largely of the Islamic faith' #@$ >2hildren> refers to those who are elow eighteen #%.$ years of age or over ut are una le to fully take care of themselves or protect themselves from a use, neglect, cruelty, e!ploitation, or discrimination ecause of a physical or mental disa ility or condition' #%0$ >Senior 2iti+ens> refers to those si!ty #-0$ years of age and a ove' #%%$ >"ersons with :isa ilities> refers to those who are suffering from restriction or different a ilities, as a result of a mental, physical, or sensory impairment to perform an activity in the manner or within the range considered normal for a human eing' and #%($ >Solo "arents> refers to those who fall under the category of a solo parent defined under 7epu lic ,ct 1o. .@?(, otherwise known as the >Solo "arents ;elfare ,ct of (000>. #e$ >Su stantive /9uality> refers to the full and e9ual enjoyment of rights and freedoms contemplated under this ,ct. It encompasses de ure and de facto e9uality and also e9uality in outcomes. #f$ >Aender /9uality> refers to the principle asserting the e9uality of men and women and their right to enjoy e9ual conditions reali+ing their full human potentials to contri ute to and enefit from the results of development, and with the State recogni+ing that all human eings are free and e9ual in dignity and rights. #g$ >Aender /9uity> refers to the policies, instruments, programs, services, and actions that address the disadvantaged position of women in society y providing preferential treatment and affirmative action. Such temporary special measures aimed at accelerating de facto e9uality etween men and women shall not e considered discriminatory ut shall in no way entail as a conse9uence the maintenance of une9ual or separate standards. These measures shall e discontinued when the o jectives of e9uality of opportunity and treatment have een achieved. #h$ >Aender and :evelopment #A,:$> refers to the development perspective and process that are participatory and empowering, e9uita le, sustaina le, free from violence, respectful of human rights, supportive of self& determination and actuali+ation of human potentials. It seeks to achieve gender e9uality as a fundamental value that should e reflected in development choices' seeks to transform society8s social, economic, and political structures and 9uestions the validity of the gender roles they

ascri ed to women and men' contends that women are active agents of development and not just passive recipients of development assistance' and stresses the need of women to organi+e themselves and participate in political processes to strengthen their legal rights. #i$ >Aender Mainstreaming> refers to the strategy for making women8s as well as men8s concerns and e!periences an integral dimension of the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of policies and programs in all political, economic, and societal spheres so that women and men enefit e9ually and ine9uality is not perpetuated. It is the process of assessing the implications for women and men of any planned action, including legislation, policies, or programs in all areas and at all levels. #j$ >Temporary Special Measures> refers to a variety of legislative, e!ecutive, administrative, and regulatory instruments, policies, and practices aimed at accelerating this de facto e9uality of women in specific areas. These measures shall not e considered discriminatory ut shall in no way entail as a conse9uence the maintenance of une9ual or separate standards. They shall e discontinued when their o jectives have een achieved. #k$ >Biolence ,gainst ;omen> refers to any act of gender& ased violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, se!ual, or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion, or ar itrary deprivation of li erty, whether occurring in pu lic or in private life. It shall e understood to encompass, ut not limited to, the following: #%$ "hysical, se!ual, psychological, and economic violence occurring in the family, including attering, se!ual a use of female children in the household, dowry&related violence, marital rape, and other traditional practices harmful to women, non&spousal violence, and violence related to e!ploitation' #($ "hysical, se!ual, and psychological violence occurring within the general community, including rape, se!ual a use, se!ual harassment, and intimidation at work, in educational institutions and elsewhere, trafficking in women, and prostitution' and #)$ "hysical, se!ual, and psychological violence perpetrated or condoned y the State, wherever it occurs. It also includes acts of violence against women as defused in 7epu lic ,cts 1o. @(0. and @(-(. #l$ >;omen in the Military> refers to women employed in the military, oth in the major and technical services, who are performing com at andCor noncom at functions, providing security to the State, and protecting the people from various forms of threat. It also includes women trainees in all military training institutions.

#m$ >Social "rotection> refers to policies and programs that seek to reduce poverty and vulnera ility to risks and enhance the social status and rights of all women, especially the marginali+ed y promoting and protecting livelihood and employment, protecting against ha+ards and sudden loss of income, and improving people8s capacity to manage risk. Its components are la or market programs, social insurance, social welfare, and social safety nets. C'AP ER ((( "$ (E+ RE#A E" ! 'E '$)AN R(*' + !& %!)EN The State, private sector, society in general, and all individuals shall contri ute to the recognition, respect, and promotion of the rights of women defined and guaranteed under this ,ct. +ection 5. The State as the Primary Duty-Bearer. & The State, as the primary duty& earer, shall: #a$ 7efrain from discriminating against women and violating their rights' # $ "rotect women against discrimination and from violation of their rights y private corporations, entities, and individuals' and #c$ "romote and fulfill the rights of women in all spheres, including their rights to su stantive e9uality and non&discrimination. The State shall fulfill these duties through law, policy, regulatory instruments, administrative guidelines, and other appropriate measures, including temporary special measures. 7ecogni+ing the interrelation of the human rights of women, the State shall take measures and esta lish mechanisms to promote the coherent and integrated implementation, and enforcement of this ,ct and related laws, policies, or other measures to effectively stop discrimination against and advance the rights of women. The State shall keep a reast with and e guided y progressive developments in human rights of women under international law and design of policies, laws, and other measures to promote the o jectives of this ,ct. +ection 6. Duties of the State Agencies and nstrumentalities. & These duties of the State shall e!tend to all state agencies, offices, and instrumentalities at all levels and government&owned and &controlled corporations, su ject to the 2onstitution and pertinent laws, policies, or administrative guidelines that define specific duties of state agencies and entities concerned. +ection 1. Suppletory !ffect. & This chapter shall e deemed integrated into and e suppletory to other provisions of this ,ct, particularly those that guarantee specific rights to women and define specific roles and re9uire specific conduct of state organs.

C'AP ER (R(*' + AN" E)P!%ER)EN +ection 6. Human Rights of Women. & ,ll rights in the 2onstitution and those rights recogni+ed under international instruments duly signed and ratified y the "hilippines, in consonance with "hilippine law, shall e rights of women under this ,ct to e enjoyed without discrimination. +ection 9. Protection from "iolence. & The State shall ensure that all women shall e protected from all forms of violence as provided for in e!isting laws. ,gencies of government shall give priority to the defense and protection of women against gender& ased offenses and help women attain justice and healing. Towards this end, measures to prosecute and reform offenders shall likewise e pursued. #a$ ;ithin the ne!t five #4$ years, there shall e an incremental increase in the recruitment and training of women in the police force, forensics and medico&legal, legal services, and social work services availed of y women who are victims of gender&related offenses until fifty percent #40D$ of the personnel thereof shall e women. # $ ;omen shall have the right to protection and security in situations of armed conflict and militari+ation. Towards this end, they shall e protected from all forms of gender& ased violence, particularly rape and other forms of se!ual a use, and all forms of violence in situations of armed conflict. The State shall o serve international standards for the protection of civilian population in circumstances of emergency and armed conflict. It shall not force women, especially indigenous peoples, to a andon their lands, territories, and means of su sistence, or relocate them in special centers for military purposes under any discriminatory condition. #c$ ,ll government personnel involved in the protection and defense of women against gender& ased violence shall undergo a mandatory training on human rights and gender sensitivity pursuant to this ,ct. #d$ ,ll local government units shall esta lish a Biolence ,gainst ;omen8s :esk in every arangay to ensure that violence against women cases are fully addressed in a gender&responsive manner. +ection 10. Women Affected #y Disasters$ Calamities$ and %ther Crisis Situations. & ;omen have the right to protection and security in times of disasters, calamities, and other crisis situations especially in all phases of relief, recovery, reha ilitation, and construction efforts. The State shall provide for immediate humanitarian assistance, allocation of resources, and early resettlement, if necessary. It shall also address the particular needs of women from a gender perspective to ensure their full protection from se!ual e!ploitation and other se!ual and gender& ased violence committed against them. 7esponses to disaster situations shall include the provision of services, such as psychosocial support, livelihood support,

education, psychological health, and comprehensive health services, including protection during pregnancy. +ection 11. Participation and Representation. & The State shall undertake temporary special measures to accelerate the participation and e9uita le representation of women in all spheres of society particularly in the decision&making and policy&making processes in government and private entities to fully reali+e their role as agents and eneficiaries of development. The State shall institute the following affirmative action mechanisms so that women can participate meaningfully in the formulation, implementation, and evaluation of policies, plans, and programs for national, regional, and local development: #a$ /mpowerment within the 2ivil Service. & ;ithin the ne!t five #4$ years, the num er of women in third #)rd$ level positions in government shall e incrementally increased to achieve a fifty&fifty #40&40$ gender alance' # $ :evelopment 2ouncils and "lanning 5odies. & To ensure the participation of women in all levels of development planning and program implementation, at least forty percent #*0D$ of mem ership of all development councils from the regional, provincial, city, municipal and arangay levels shall e composed of women' #c$ Ether "olicy and :ecision&Making 5odies. & ;omen8s groups shall also e represented in international, national, and local special and decision& making odies' #d$ International 5odies. & The State shall take all appropriate measures to ensure the opportunity of women, on e9ual terms with men and without any discrimination, to represent their governments at the international level and to participate in the work of international organi+ations' #e$ Integration of ;omen in "olitical "arties. & The State shall provide incentives to political parties with women8s agenda. It shall likewise encourage the integration of women in their leadership hierarchy, internal policy&making structures, appointive, and electoral nominating processes' and #f$ "rivate Sector. & The State shall take measures to encourage women leadership in the private sector in the form of incentives. +ection 1/. !&ual Treatment Before the 'a(. & The State shall take steps to review and, when necessary, amend andCor repeal e!isting laws that are discriminatory to women within three #)$ years from the effectivity of this ,ct. +ection 13. !&ual Access and !limination of Discrimination in !ducation$ Scholarships$ and Training. & #a$ The State shall ensure that gender stereotypes and images in educational materials and curricula are ade9uately and appropriately

revised. Aender&sensitive language shall e used at all times. 2apacity& uilding on gender and development #A,:$, peace and human rights, education for teachers, and all those involved in the education sector shall e pursued toward this end. "artnerships etween and among players of the education sector, including the private sector, churches, and faith groups shall e encouraged. # $ /nrollment of women in nontraditional skills training in vocational and tertiary levels shall e encouraged. #c$ /!pulsion and non&readmission of women faculty due to pregnant'& outside of marriage shall e outlawed. 1o school shall turn out or refuse admission to a female student solely on the account of her having contracted pregnancy outside of marriage during her term in school. +ection 10. Women in Sports. & The State shall develop, esta lish, and strengthen programs for the participation of women and girl&children in competitive and noncompetitive sports as a means to achieve e!cellence, promote physical and social well& eing, eliminate gender&role stereotyping, and provide e9ual access to the full enefits of development for all persons regardless of se!, gender identity, and other similar factors. For this purpose, all sports&related organi+ations shall create guidelines that will esta lish and integrate affirmative action as a strategy and gender e9uality as a framework in planning and implementing their policies, udgets, programs, and activities relating to the participation of women and girls in sports. The State will also provide material and nonmaterial incentives to local government units, media organi+ations, and the private sector for promoting, training, and preparing women and girls for participation in competitive and noncompetitive sports, especially in local and international events, including, ut not limited to, the "alarong "am ansa, Southeast ,sian Aames, ,sian Aames, and the Elympics. 1o sports event or tournament will offer or award a different sports pri+e, with respect to its amount or value, to women and men winners in the same sports category: Provided, That the said tournament, contest, race, match, event, or game is open to oth se!es: Provided, further, That the sports event or tournament is divided into male or female divisions. The State shall also ensure the safety and well& eing of all women and girls participating in sports, especially, ut not limited to, trainees, reserve mem ers, mem ers, coaches, and mentors of national sports teams, whether in studying, training, or performance phases, y providing them comprehensive health and medical insurance coverage, as well as integrated medical, nutritional, and healthcare services. Schools, colleges, universities, or any other learning institution shall take into account its total women student population in granting athletic scholarship. There shall e a pro rata representation of women in the athletic scholarship program ased on the percentage of women in the whole student population.

+ection 15. Women in the Military . & The State shall pursue appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination of women in the military, police, and other similar services, including revising or a olishing policies and practices that restrict women from availing of oth com at and noncom at training that are open to men, or from taking on functions other than administrative tasks, such as engaging in com at, security& related, or field operations. ;omen in the military shall e accorded the same promotional privileges and opportunities as men, including pay increases, additional remunerations and enefits, and awards ased on their competency and 9uality of performance. Towards this end, the State shall ensure that the personal dignity of women shall always e respected. ;omen in the military, police, and other similar services shall e provided with the same right to employment as men on e9ual conditions. /9ually, they shall e accorded the same capacity as men to act in and enter into contracts, including marriage. Further, women in the military, police' and other similar services shall e entitled to leave enefits such as maternity leave, as provided for y e!isting laws. +ection 16. )ondiscriminatory and )onderogatory Portrayal of Women in Media and *ilm. & The State shall formulate policies and programs for the advancement of women in colla oration with government and nongovernment media& related organi+ations. It shall likewise endeavor to raise the consciousness of the general pu lic in recogni+ing the dignity of women and the role and contri ution of women in the family' community, and the society through the strategic use of mass media. For this purpose, the State shall ensure allocation of space' airtime, and resources, strengthen programming, production, and image&making that appropriately present women8s needs, issues, and concerns in all forms of media, communication, information dissemination, and advertising. The State, in cooperation with all schools of journalism, information, and communication, as well as the national media federations and associations, shall re9uire all media organi+ations and corporations to integrate into their human resource development components regular training on gender e9uality and gender& ased discrimination, create and use gender e9uality guidelines in all aspects of management, training, production, information, dissemination, communication, and programming' and convene a gender e9uality committee that will promote gender mainstreaming as a framework and affirmative action as a strategy, and monitor and evaluate the implementation of gender e9uality guidelines. +ection 11. Women+s Right to Health. & #a$ 2omprehensive <ealth Services. & The State shall, at all times, provide for a comprehensive, culture&sensitive, and gender& responsive health services and programs covering all stages of a woman8s life cycle and which addresses the major causes of women8s mortality and mor idity:Provided, That in the provision for comprehensive health services, due respect shall e accorded to women8s religious convictions, the rights of the spouses to found a family in accordance with their religious convictions, and the demands of responsi le

parenthood, and the right of women to protection from ha+ardous drugs, devices, interventions, and su stances. ,ccess to the following services shall e ensured: #%$ Maternal care to include pre& and post&natal services to address pregnancy and infant health and nutrition' #($ "romotion of reastfeeding' #)$ 7esponsi le, ethical, legal, safe, and effective methods of family planning' #*$ Family and State colla oration in youth se!uality education and health services without prejudice to the primary right and duty of parents to educate their children' #4$ "revention and management of reproductive tract infections, including se!ually transmitted diseases, <IB, and ,I:S' #-$ "revention and management of reproductive tract cancers like reast and cervical cancers, and other gynecological conditions and disorders' #?$ "revention of a ortion and management of pregnancy&related complications' #.$ In cases of violence against women and children, women and children victims and survivors shall e provided with comprehensive health services that include psychosocial, therapeutic, medical, and legal interventions and assistance towards healing, recovery, and empowerment' #@$ "revention and management of infertility and se!ual dysfunction pursuant to ethical norms and medical standards' #%0$ 2are of the elderly women eyond their child& earing years' and #%%$ Management, treatment, and intervention of mental health pro lems of women and girls. In addition, healthy lifestyle activities are encouraged and promoted through programs and projects as strategies in the prevention of diseases. # $ 2omprehensive <ealth Information and /ducation. & The State shall provide women in all sectors with appropriate, timely, complete, and accurate information and education on all the a ove&stated aspects of women8s health in government education and training programs, with due regard to the following:

#%$ The natural and primary right and duty of parents in the rearing of the youth and the development of moral character and the right of children to e rought up in an atmosphere of morality and rectitude for the enrichment and strengthening of character' #($ The formation of a person8s se!uality that affirms human dignity' and #)$ /thical, legal, safe, and effective family planning methods including fertility awareness. +ection 16. Special 'ea,e Benefits for Women. & , woman employee having rendered continuous aggregate employment service of at least si! #-$ months for the last twelve #%($ months shall e entitled to a special leave enefit of two #($ months with full pay ased on her gross monthly compensation following surgery caused y gynecological disorders. +ection 19. !&ual Rights in All Matters Relating to Marriage and *amily Relations. & The State shall take all appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination against women in all matters relating to marriage and family relations and shall ensure: #a$ the same rights to enter into and leave marriages or common law relationships referred to under the Family 2ode without prejudice to personal or religious eliefs' # $ the same rights to choose freely a spouse and to enter into marriage only with their free and full consent. The etrothal and the marriage of a child shall have no legal effect' #c$ the joint decision on the num er and spacing of their children and to have access to the information, education and means to ena le them to e!ercise these rights' #d$ the same personal rights etween spouses or common law spouses including the right to choose freely a profession and an occupation' #e$ the same rights for oth spouses or common law spouses in respect of the ownership, ac9uisition, management, administration, enjoyment, and disposition of property' #f$ the same rights to properties and resources, whether titled or not, and inheritance, whether formal or customary' and #g$ women shall have e9ual rights with men to ac9uire, change, or retain their nationality. The State shall ensure in particular that neither marriage to an alien nor change of nationality y the hus and during marriage shall automatically change the nationality of the wife, render her stateless or force upon her the nationality of the hus and. Barious statutes of other countries

concerning dual citi+enship that may e enjoyed e9ually y women and men shall likewise e considered. 2ustomary laws shall e respected: Provided, however, That they do not discriminate against women. C'AP ER R(*' + AN" E)P!%ER)EN !& )AR*(NA#(;E" +EC !R+ ;omen in marginali+ed sectors are here y guaranteed all civil, political, social, and economic rights recogni+ed, promoted, and protected under e!isting laws including, ut not limited to, the Indigenous "eoples 7ights ,ct, the =r an :evelopment and <ousing ,ct, the 2omprehensive ,grarian 7eform Faw, the Fisheries 2ode, the Fa or 2ode, the Migrant ;orkers ,ct, the Solo "arents ;elfare ,ct, and the Social 7eform and "overty ,lleviation ,ct. +ection /0. *ood Security and Producti,e Resources. & The State recogni+es the contri ution of women to food production and shall ensure its sustaina ility and sufficiency with the active participation of women. Towards this end, the State shall guarantee, at all times, the availa ility in the market of safe and health&giving food to satisfy the dietary needs of the population, giving particular attention to the specific needs of poor girl&children and marginali+ed women, especially pregnant and lactating mothers and their young children. To further address this, the State shall ensure: #a$ 7ight to Food. & The State shall guarantee the availa ility of food in 9uantity and 9uality sufficient to satisfy the dietary needs of individuals, the physical and economic accessi ility for everyone to ade9uate food that is culturally accepta le and free from unsafe su stances and culturally accepted, and the accurate and su stantial information to the availa ility of food, including the right to full, accurate, and truthful information a out safe and health&giving foods and how to produce and have regular and easy access to them' # $ 7ight to 7esources for Food "roduction. & The State shall guarantee women a vital role in food production y giving priority to their rights to land, credit, and infrastructure support, technical training, and technological and marketing assistance. The State shall promote women&friendly technology as a high priority activity in agriculture and shall promote the right to ade9uate food y proactively engaging in activities intended to strengthen access to, utili+ation of, and receipt of accurate and su stantial information on resources and means to ensure women8s livelihood, including food security: #%$ /9ual status shall e given to women and men, whether married or not, in the titling of the land and issuance of stewardship contracts and patents'

#($ /9ual treatment shall e given to women and men eneficiaries of the agrarian reform program, wherein the vested right of a woman agrarian reform eneficiary is defined y a woman8s relationship to tillage, i!e!, her direct and indirect contri ution to the development of the land' #)$ 2ustomary rights of women to the land, including access to and control of the fruits and enefits, shall e recogni+ed in circumstances where private ownership is not possi le, such as ancestral domain claims: #*$ Information and assistance in claiming rights to the land shall e made availa le to women at all times' #4$ /9ual rights to women to the enjoyment, use, and management of land, water, and other natural resources within their communities or ancestral domains' #-$ /9ual access to the use and management of fisheries and a9uatic resources, and all the rights and enefits accruing to stakeholders in the fishing industry' #?$ /9ual status shall e given to women and men in the issuance of stewardship or lease agreements and other fishery rights that may e granted for the use and management of coastal and a9uatic resources. In the same manner, women8s organi+ations shall e given e9ual treatment as with other marginali+ed fishers organi+ations in the issuance of stewardship or lease agreements or other fishery rights for the use and management of such coastal and a9uatic resources which may include providing support to women&engaged coastal resources' #.$ There shall e no discrimination against women in the deputi+ation of fish wardens' #@$ ;omen&friendly and sustaina le agriculture technology shall e designed ased on accessi ility and via ility in consultation with women8s organi+ations' #%0$ ,ccess to small farmer& ased and controlled seeds production and distri ution shall e ensured and protected' #%%$ Indigenous practices of women in seed storage and cultivation shall e recogni+ed, encouraged, and protected' #%($ /9ual rights shall e given to women to e mem ers of farmers8 organi+ations to ensure wider access to and control of the means of production'

#%)$ "rovide opportunities for empowering women fishers to e involved in the control and management, not only of the catch and production of a9uamarine resources ut also, to engage in entrepreneurial activities which will add value to production and marketing ventures' and #%*$ "rovide economic opportunities for the indigenous women. particularly access to market for their produce. In the enforcement of the foregoing, the re9uirements of law shall e o served at all times. +ection /1. Right to Housing. & The State shall develop housing programs for women that are locali+ed, simple, accessi le, with pota le water, and electricity, secure, with via le employment opportunities and afforda le amorti+ation. In this regard, the State shall consult women and involve them in community planning and development, especially in matters pertaining to land use, +oning, and relocation. +ection //. Right to Decent Wor-. & The State shall progressively reali+e and ensure decent work standards for women that involve the creation of jo s of accepta le 9uality in conditions of freedom, e9uity, security, and human dignity. #a$ :ecent work involves opportunities for work that are productive and fairly remunerative as family living wage, security in the workplace, and social protection for families, etter prospects for personal development and social integration, freedom for people to e!press their concerns organi+e, participate in the decisions that affect their lives, and e9uality of opportunity and treatment for all women and men. # $ The State shall further ensure: #%$ Support services and gears to protect them from occupational and health ha+ards taking into account women8s maternal functions' #($ Support services that will ena le women to alance their family o ligations and work responsi ilities including, ut not limited to, the esta lishment of day care centers and reast&feeding stations at the workplace, and providing maternity leave pursuant to the Fa or 2ode and other pertinent laws' #)$ Mem ership in unions regardless of status of employment and place of employment' and #*$ 7espect for the o servance of indigenous peoples8 cultural practices even in the workplace. #c$ In recognition of the temporary nature of overseas work, the State shall e!ert all efforts to address the causes of out&migration y developing local employment and other economic opportunities for women and y introducing measures to cur

violence and forced and involuntary displacement of local women. The State shall ensure the protection and promotion of the rights and welfare of migrant women regardless of their work status, and protect them against discrimination in wages, conditions of work, and employment opportunities in host countries. +ection /3. Right to 'i,elihood$ Credit$ Capital$ and Technology . & The State shall ensure that women are provided with the following: #a$ /9ual access to formal sources of credit and capital' # $ /9ual share to the produce of farms and a9uatic resources' and #c$ /mployment opportunities for returning women migrant workers taking into account their skills and 9ualifications. 2orollarily, the State shall also promote skills and entrepreneurship development of returning women migrant workers. +ection /0. Right to !ducation and Training. & The State shall ensure the following: #a$ ;omen migrant workers have the opportunity to undergo skills training, if they so desire, efore taking on a foreign jo , and possi le retraining upon return to the country: # $ Aender&sensitive training and seminars' and #c$ /9ual opportunities in scholarships ased on merit and fitness, especially to those interested in research and development aimed towards women& friendly farm technology. +ection /5. Right to Representation and Participation . & The State shall ensure women8s participation in policy&making or decision&making odies in the regional, national, and international levels. It shall also ensure the participation of grassroots women leaders in decision and policy&making odies in their respective sectors including, ut not limited to, the "residential ,grarian 7eform 2ouncil #",72$ and its local counterparts' community& ased resource management odies or mechanisms on forest management and stewardship' the 1ational Fisheries and ,9uatic 7esources Management 2ouncil #1F,7M2$ and its local counterparts' the 1ational 2ommission on Indigenous "eoples' the "residential 2ommission for the =r an "oor' the 1ational ,nti&"overty 2ommission' and, where applica le, the local housing oards. +ection /6. Right to nformation. & ,ccess to information regarding policies on women, including programs, projects, and funding outlays that affect them, shall e ensured. +ection /1. Social Protection. &

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#a$ The Social Security System #SSS$ and the "hilippine <ealth Insurance 2orporation #"hil<ealth$ shall support indigenous and community& ased social protection schemes. # $ The State shall institute policies and programs that seek to reduce the poverty and vulnera ility to risks and enhance the social status and rights of the marginali+ed women y promoting and protecting livelihood and employment, protecting against ha+ards and sudden' loss of income, and improving people8s capacity to manage risks. #c$ The State shall endeavor to reduce and eventually eliminate transfer costs of remittances from a road through appropriate ilateral and multilateral agreements. It shall likewise provide access to investment opportunities for remittances in line with national development efforts. #d$ The State shall esta lish a health insurance program for senior citi+ens and indigents. #e$ The State shall support women with disa ilities on a community& ased social protection scheme. +ection /6. Recognition and Preser,ation of Cultural dentity and ntegrity. & The State shall recogni+e and respect the rights of Moro and indigenous women to practice, promote, protect, and preserve their own culture, traditions, and institutions and to consider these rights in the formulation and implementation of national policies and programs. To this end, the State shall adopt measures in consultation with the sectors concerned to protect their rights to their indigenous knowledge systems and practices, traditional livelihood, and other manifestations of their cultures and ways of life: "rovided, That these cultural systems and practices are not discriminatory to women. +ection /9. Peace and De,elopment. & The peace process shall e pursued with the following considerations: #a$ Increase the num er of women participating in discussions and decision& making in the peace process, including mem ership in peace panels recogni+ing women8s role in conflict& prevention and peace&making and in indigenous system of conflict resolution' # $ /nsure the development and inclusion of women8s welfare and concerns in the peace agenda in the overall peace strategy and women8s participation in the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of reha ilitation and re uilding of conflict&affected areas' #c$ The institution of measures to ensure the protection of civilians in conflict& affected communities with special consideration for the specific needs of women and girls:

#d$ Include the peace perspective in the education curriculum and other educational undertakings' and #e$ The recognition and support for women8s role in conflict&prevention, management, resolution and peacemaking, and in indigenous systems of conflict resolution. +ection 30. Women in !specially Difficult Circumstances. & For purposes of this ,ct, >;omen in /specially :ifficult 2ircumstances> #;/:2$ shall refer to victims and survivors of se!ual and physical a use, illegal recruitment, prostitution, trafficking, armed conflict, women in detention, victims and survivors of rape and incest, and such other related circumstances which have incapacitated them functionally. Focal government units are therefore mandated to deliver the necessary services and interventions to ;/:2 under their respective jurisdictions. +ection 31. Ser,ices and nter,entions. & ;/:2 shall e provided with services and interventions as necessary such as, ut not limited to, the following: #a$ Temporary and protective custody' # $ Medical and dental services' #c$ "sychological evaluation' #d$ 2ounseling' #e$ "sychiatric evaluation' #f$ Fegal services' #g$ "roductivity skills capa ility uilding' #h$ Fivelihood assistance' #i$ 6o placement' #j$ Financial assistance: and #k$ Transportation assistance. +ection 3/. Protection of .irl-Children. & #a$ The State shall pursue measures to eliminate all forms of discrimination against girl&children in education, health and nutrition, and skills development. # $ Airl&children shall e protected from all forms of a use and e!ploitation.

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#c$ /9ual access of Moro and indigenous girl&children in the Madaris, schools of living culture and traditions, and the regular schools shall e ensured. #d$ Aender&sensitive curriculum, including legal literacy, ooks, and curriculum in the Madaris and schools of living culture and traditions shall e developed. #e$ Sensitivity of regular schools to particular Moro and indigenous practices, such as fasting in the month of 7amadan, choice of clothing #including the wearing of hi ab$, and availa ility of halal food shall e ensured. +ection 33. Protection of Senior Citi/ens. & The State shall protect women senior citi+ens from neglect, a andonment, domestic violence, a use, e!ploitation, and discrimination. Towards this end, the State shall ensure special protective mechanisms and support services against violence, se!ual a use, e!ploitation, and discrimination of older women. +ection 30. ;omen are entitled to the recognition and protection of their rights defined and guaranteed under this ,ct including their right to nondiscrimination. +ection 35. Discrimination Against Women is Prohi#ited. & "u lic and private entities and individuals found to have committed discrimination against women shall e su ject to the sanctions provided in Section *% hereof. Biolations of other rights of women shall e su ject to sanctions under pertinent laws and regulations. C'AP ER -( (N+ ( $ (!NA# )EC'AN(+)+ +ection 36. .ender Mainstreaming as a Strategy for mplementing the Magna Carta of Women. & ;ithin a period prescri ed in the implementing rules and regulations, the 1ational 2ommission on the 7ole of Filipino ;omen #127F;$ shall assess its gender mainstreaming program for consistency with the standards under this ,ct. It shall modify the program accordingly to ensure that it will e an effective strategy for implementing this ,ct and attaining its o jectives. ,ll departments, including their attached agencies, offices, ureaus, state universities and colleges, government&owned and &controlled corporations, local government units, and other government instrumentalities shall adopt gender mainstreaming as a strategy to promote women8s human rights and eliminate gender discrimination in their systems, structures, policies, programs, processes, and procedures which shall include, ut not limited to, the following: #a$ "lanning, udgeting, monitoring and evaluation for A,:. A,: programs addressing gender issues and concerns shall e designed and implemented ased on the mandate of government agencies and local government units, 7epu lic ,ct 1o. ?%@(, gender e9uality agenda of the government and other A,:&related legislation, policies, and commitments. The development of A,: programs shall proceed from the conduct of a gender audit of the agency or the local government unit and a gender analysis of its policies, programs, services and the situation of its clientele' the generation and

review of se!&disaggregated data' and consultation with genderCwomen8s rights advocates and agencyCwomen clientele. The cost of implementing A,: programs shall e the agency8s or the local government unit8s A,: udget which shall e at least five percent #4D$ of the agency8s or the local government unit8s total udget appropriations. "ursuant to 7epu lic ,ct 1o. ?%@(, otherwise known as the ;omen in :evelopment and 1ation 5uilding ,ct, which allocates five percent #4D$ to thirty percent #)0D$ of overseas development assistance to A,:, government agencies receiving official development assistance should ensure the allocation and proper utili+ation of such funds to gender& responsive programs that complement the government A,: funds and annually report accomplishments thereof to the 1ational /conomic and :evelopment ,uthority #1/:,$ and the "hilippine 2ommission on ;omen #"2;$. The utili+ation and outcome of the A,: udget shall e annually monitored and evaluated in terms of its success in influencing the gender&responsive implementation of agency programs funded y the remaining ninety&five percent #@4D$ udget. The 2ommission on ,udit #2E,$ shall conduct an annual audit on the use of the A,: udget for the purpose of determining its judicious use and the efficiency, and effectiveness of interventions in addressing gender issues towards the reali+ation of the o jectives of the country8s commitments, plans, and policies on women empowerment, gender e9uality, and A,:. Focal government units are also encouraged to develop and pass a A,: 2ode ased on the gender issues and concerns in their respective localities ased on consultation with their women constituents and the women8s empowerment and gender e9uality agenda of the government. The A,: 2ode shall also serve as asis for identifying programs, activities, and projects on A,:. ;here needed, temporary gender e9uity measures shall e provided for in the plans of all departments, including their attached agencies, offices, ureaus, state universities and colleges, government&owned and &controlled corporations, local government units, and other government instrumentalities. To move towards a more sustaina le, gender&responsive, and performance& ased planning and udgeting, gender issues and concerns shall e integrated in, among others, the following plans: #%$ Macro socioeconomic plans such as the Medium&Term "hilippine :evelopment "lan and Medium&Term "hilippine Investment "lan'

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#($ ,nnual plans of all departments, including their attached agencies, offices, ureaus, state universities and colleges, and government&owned and &controlled corporations' and #)$ Focal plans and agenda such as e!ecutive&legislative agenda, comprehensive development plan #2:"$, comprehensive land use plan #2F="$, provincial development and physical framework plan #":"F"$, and annual investment plan. # $ 2reation andCor Strengthening of the A,: Focal "oints #AF"$. ,ll departments, including their attached agencies, offices, ureaus, state universities and colleges, government& owned and &controlled corporations, local government units, and other government instrumentalities shall esta lish or strengthen their A,: Focal "oint System or similar A,: mechanism to cataly+e and accelerate gender mainstreaming within the agency or local government unit. The A,: Focal "oint System shall e composed of the agency head or local chief e!ecutive, an e!ecutive committee with an =ndersecretary #or its e9uivalent$, local government unit official, or office in a strategic decision& making position as 2hair' and a technical working group or secretariat which is composed of representatives from various divisions or offices within the agency or local government unit. The tasks and functions of the mem ers of the AF" shall form part of their regular key result areas and shall e given due consideration in their performance evaluation. #c$ Aeneration and Maintenance of A,: :ata ase. ,ll departments, including their attached agencies, offices, ureaus, state universities and colleges, government&owned and & controlled corporations, local government units, and other government instrumentalities shall develop and maintain a A,: data ase containing gender statistics and se!disaggregated data that have een systematically gathered, regularly updated' and su jected to' gender analysis for planning, programming, and policy formulation. +ection 31. .ender *ocal Point %fficer in Philippine !m#assies and Consulates. & ,n officer duly trained on A,: shall e designated as the gender focal point in the consular section of "hilippine em assies or consulates. Said officer shall e primarily responsi le in handling gender concerns of women migrant workers. ,ttached agencies shall cooperate in strengthening the "hilippine foreign posts8 programs for the delivery of services to women migrant workers. +ection 36. )ational Commission on the Role of *ilipino Women 0)CR*W1 . & The 1ational 2ommission on the 7ole of Filipino ;omen #127F;$ shall e renamed as the "hilippine 2ommission on ;omen #"2;$, the primary policymaking and coordinating ody of the women and gender e9uality concerns under the Effice of the "resident. The "2; shall e the overall monitoring ody and oversight to ensure the implementation of this ,ct. In doing so, the "2; may direct any government agency

and instrumentality, as may e necessary, to report on the implementation of this ,ct and for them to immediately respond to the pro lems rought to their attention in relation to this ,ct. The "2; shall also lead in ensuring that government agencies are capacitated on the effective implementation of this ,ct. The chairperson shall likewise report to the "resident in 2a inet meetings on the implementation of this ,ct. To the e!tent possi le, the "2; shall influence the systems, processes, and procedures of the e!ecutive, legislative, and judicial ranches of government vis&a&vis A,: to ensure the implementation of this ,ct. To effectively and efficiently undertake and accomplish its functions, the "2; shall revise its structure and staffing pattern with the assistance of the :epartment of 5udget and Management. +ection 39. Commission on Human Rights 0CHR1. & The 2ommission, acting as the Aender and :evelopment Em ud, consistent with its mandate, shall undertake measures such as the following: #a$ Monitor with the "2; and other state agencies, among others, in developing indicators and guidelines to comply with their duties related to the human rights of women, including their right to nondiscrimination guaranteed under this ,ct' # $ :esignate one #%$ commissioner andCor its ;omen8s <uman 7ights 2enter to e primarily responsi le for formulating and implementing programs and activities related to the promotion and protection of the human rights of women, including the investigations and complaints of discrimination and violations of their rights rought under this ,ct and related laws and regulations' #c$ /sta lish guidelines and mechanisms, among others, that will facilitate access of women to legal remedies under this ,ct and related laws, and enhance the protection and promotion of the rights of women, especially marginali+ed women' #d$ ,ssist in the filing of cases against individuals, agencies, institutions, or esta lishments that violate the provisions of this ,ct' and #e$ 7ecommend to the "resident of the "hilippines or the 2ivil Service 2ommission any possi le administrative action ased on noncompliance or failure to implement the provisions of this ,ct. +ection 00. Monitoring Progress and mplementation and mpact of this Act . & The "2;, in coordination with other state agencies and the 2<7, shall su mit to 2ongress regular reports on the progress of the implementation of this ,ct highlighting the impact thereof on the status and human rights of women: "rovided, That the second report shall include an assessment of the effectiveness of this ,ct and recommend amendments to improve its provisions: "rovided, finally, That these

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reports shall e su mitted to 2ongress every three #)$ years or as determined in the implementing rules and regulations. +ection 01. Penalties. & =pon finding of the 2<7 that a department, agency, or instrumentality of government, government&owned and &controlled corporation, or local government unit has violated any provision of this ,ct and its implementing rules and regulations, the sanctions under administrative law, civil service, or other appropriate laws shall e recommended to the 2ivil Service 2ommission andCor the :epartment of the Interior and Focal Aovernment. The person directly responsi le for the violation as well as the head of the agency or local chief e!ecutive shall e held lia le under this ,ct. If the violation is committed y a private entity or individual, the person directly responsi le for the violation shall e lia le to pay damages. Filing a complaint under this ,ct shall not preclude the offended party from pursuing other remedies availa le under the law and to invoke any of the provisions of e!isting laws especially those recently enacted laws protecting women and children, including the ;omen in :evelopment and 1ation 5uilding ,ct #7epu lic ,ct 1o. ?%@($, the Special "rotection of 2hildren ,gainst 2hild , use, /!ploitation and :iscrimination ,ct #7epu lic ,ct 1o. ?-%0$, the ,nti&Se!ual <arassment ,ct of %@@4 #7epu lic ,ct 1o. ?.??$, the ,nti&7ape Faw of %@@? #7epu lic ,ct 1o. .)4)$, the 7ape Bictim ,ssistance and "rotection ,ct of %@@. #7epu lic ,ct 1o. .404$, the ,nti&Trafficking in "ersons ,ct of (00) #7epu lic ,ct 1o. @(0.$ and the ,nti& Biolence ,gainst ;omen and Their 2hildren ,ct of (00* #7epu lic ,ct 1o. @(-($. If violence has een proven to e perpetrated y agents of the State including, ut not limited to, e!trajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, torture, and internal displacements, such shall e considered aggravating offenses with corresponding penalties depending on the severity of the offenses. +ection 0/. ncenti,es and A(ards. & There shall e esta lished an incentives and awards system which shall e administered y a oard under such rules and regulations as may e promulgated y the "2; to deserving entities, government agencies, and local government units for their outstanding performance in upholding the rights of women and effective implementation of gender&responsive programs. +ection 03. *unding. & The initial funding re9uirements for the implementation of this ,ct shall e charged against the current appropriations of the agencies concerned. Thereafter, such sums as may e necessary for the implementation of this ,ct shall e included in the agencies8 yearly udgets under the Aeneral ,ppropriations ,ct. The State shall prioriti+e allocation of all availa le resources to effectively fulfill its o ligations specified under this ,ct. The State agencies8 A,: udgets, which shall e at least five percent #4D$ of their total udgetary allocation, shall also e utili+ed for the programs and activities to implement this ,ct. +ection 00. mplementing Rules and Regulations. & ,s the lead agency, the "2; shall, in coordination with the 2ommission on <uman 7ights and all concerned government departments and agencies including, as o servers, oth <ouses of

2ongress through the 2ommittee on Gouth, ;omen and Family 7elations #Senate$ and the 2ommittee on ;omen and Aender /9uality #<ouse of 7epresentatives$ and with the participation of representatives from nongovernment organi+ations #1AEs$ and civil society groups with proven track record of involvement and promotion of the rights and welfare of Filipino women and girls identified y the "2;, formulate the implementing rules and regulations #I77$ of this ,ct within one hundred eighty #%.0$ days after its effectivity. +ection 05. Separa#ility Clause. & If any provision or part hereof is held invalid or unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provisions not otherwise affected shall remain valid and su sisting. +ection 06. Repealing Clause. & ,ny law, presidential decree or issuance, e!ecutive order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule, or regulation contrary to, or inconsistent with, the provisions of this ,ct is here y repealed, modified, or amended accordingly. +ection 01. !ffecti,ity Clause. & This ,ct shall take effect fifteen #%4$ days after its pu lication in at least two #($ newspapers of general circulation. ,pproved, #Sgd.$ PR!+PER! C. N!*RA#E+ Speaker of the <ouse of 7epresentatives #Sgd.$ J$AN P!NCE ENR(#E "resident of the Senate

This ,ct which is a consolidation of Senate 5ill 1o. ()@- and <ouse 5ill 1o. *(?) was finally passed y the Senate and the <ouse of 7epresentatives on May %@, (00@ and May (0, (00@, respectively. #Sgd.$ )AR(#.N ,. ,AR$A<.AP Secretary Aeneral <ouse of 7epresenatives ,pproved: August 10, /009 #Sgd.$ *#!R(A )ACAPA*A#<ARR!.! President of the Philippines #Sgd.$ E))A #(R(!<RE.E+ Secretary of Senate

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