Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 6725)
The main purpose of Republic Act No. 6725 is to strengthen the prohibition on discrimination against women with respect to terms and conditions of employment, amending Article 135 of the Labor Code.
No, it is unlawful for any employer to discriminate against a woman employee with respect to terms and conditions of employment solely on account of her sex.
The acts of discrimination include (a) payment of lesser compensation to female employees compared to male employees for work of equal value, and (b) favoring male employees over female employees with respect to promotion, training opportunities, and study or scholarship grants solely based on sex.
Yes, willful commission of any unlawful discriminatory act as provided in Article 135 or violation of its implementing rules and regulations shall be penalized as provided in Articles 288 and 289 of the Labor Code.
Yes, the institution of criminal action does not bar the employee from filing a separate action for money claims, damages, and other affirmative reliefs, and both actions may proceed independently.
The Secretary of Labor and Employment is authorized to promulgate the necessary guidelines to implement Article 135 in accordance with generally accepted practices and standards.
This Act took effect fifteen (15) days from the date of its publication in at least two national newspapers of general circulation.
Payment of any form of remuneration including wages, salary, or other fringe benefits are covered under the prohibition against discrimination.
Articles 288 and 289 of the Labor Code contain the penalties for violations of the unlawful acts provided under RA 6725.
'Work of equal value' refers to jobs or tasks performed by employees that require substantially similar qualifications, skills, responsibilities, and working conditions, for which female employees should receive equal compensation as male employees.