Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 6725)
Republic Act No. 6725 strengthens the prohibition on discrimination against women with respect to terms and conditions of employment, amending Article 135 of the Labor Code.
It prohibits employers from discriminating against any woman employee with respect to terms and conditions of employment solely on account of her sex.
(a) Paying lesser compensation including wages, salary, or other remuneration and benefits to a female employee compared to a male employee for work of equal value; (b) Favoring a male employee over a female employee in promotion, training opportunities, and study and scholarship grants solely because of their sexes.
The willful commission of unlawful acts under this article shall be penalized as provided in Articles 288 and 289 of the Labor Code, which includes imprisonment and/or fines.
Yes, filing a criminal action does not bar the employee from filing a separate civil action for money claims, damages, and other affirmative reliefs. The actions may proceed independently.
The Secretary of Labor and Employment is authorized to promulgate necessary guidelines to implement the article according to generally accepted practices and standards.
It took effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in at least two national newspapers of general circulation.
'Work of equal value' refers to jobs that require substantially the same skill, effort, and responsibility, performed under similar working conditions.
Yes, the law covers payment of wages, salary, other forms of remuneration, and fringe benefits.
Yes, it explicitly prohibits favoring male employees over females in promotions, training opportunities, and scholarships solely based on sex.