The pandemic exacerbated the burden with fear and anxiety. “Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, many of our workers were struggling from combined pressures brought by their jobs, families and even social media. The National Center for Mental Health Crisis Hotline said it received more than 11,000 calls in 2020, up by 247 percent from 3,000 in 2019. The Philippine Mental Health Law, which took effect on July 5, 2018, is a rights-based mental health bill that protects workers availing themselves of psychiatric, neurologic and psychological help from stigma and discrimination.ĭelos Santos cited the need to widen the scope on the Philippine Mental Health Law, to include a prevention program that would address the rising depressive disorders and suicide rates caused by the pandemic.ĭata from the Department of Health shows 17 million Filipinos suffer from depression. Alfred delos Santos of Ang Probinsyano party-list said the additional leave could be used to consult with mental health professionals, undergo therapy or take a break from daily stress.ĭelos Santos said the bill also requires employers to implement programs promoting workers’ mental health. House Bill 6253 or the proposed “Mental Wellness Leave Act” grants five days of additional leave in addition to existing mandatory vacation and sick leaves.īill author Rep. MANILA, Philippines - A bill seeking to grant mental wellness leave to workers has been filed in the House of Representatives.

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