17 senators OK bill prohibiting gender preferences in employment ads

MANILA, Philippines -  Seventeen senators have signed a committee report on similar bills filed by Senate President Pro-Tempore Jinggoy Estrada and Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago banning the specification of gender preference in job advertisements.

The consolidated bill says the practice is an act of gender discrimination. It seeks the prohibition of printing, circulation or publication of any statement indicating hiring preference based on sex. Santiago noted that Article II Section 14 of the Constitution provides for the fundamental equality of the sexes.

“Discrimination by reason of sex is usually effected by subtle and elusive means, especially in employment advertising,” Santiago said.

Any exemption to the provisions of the bill would have to come from the Department of Labor and Employment.

Violation would result in the imposition of a fine of not less than P10,000 or imprisonment, or both, at the discretion of the court.