i

GEEC 111:
GENDER & SOCIETY

MODULE IV

GENDER ISSUES IN THE

PHILIPPINE CONTEXT

Lesson 1 An Overview of Gender

Situation in the
Philippines

Lesson 2 Survey of Laws on

Women and Gender
Issues in the Philippines.

GEEC 111 MODULE IV: Gender Issues in Philippine Context

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PRELIMINARY PAGES

Title Page ............................................................................ 1

Table of Contents .................................................................. 2

MODULE IV. Gender Issues in the Philippine Context .......................... 3

Introduction ...................................................................... 3
Objectives ............................................................... 3
Directions/ Module Organizer ......................................... 3

LESSON 1. An Overview of Gender Situation in the Philippines .......... 4

Learning Activity for Lesson 1 ......................................... 5

LESSON 2. Survey of Laws on Women and Gender Issues in the Phils. .. 6

Learning Activity for Lesson 2 ......................................... 9

MODULE SUMMARY .............................................................. 10

SUMMATIVE TEST ................................................................ 11
REFERENCE LIST ................................................................. 13

GEEC 111 MODULE IV: Gender Issues in Philippine Context

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MODULE IV

GENDER ISSUES IN THE PHILIPPINE CONTEXT

 INTRODUCTION

The Philippines accords high priority to the promotion of gender equality.

It is one of the few countries with gender provision in its Constitution, and one
of the earliest signatories to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms
of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). It also signed the Millennium
Declaration, wherein gender equality plays an integral role in the
achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. On top of the international
commitments, the Philippines has a long list of laws and policies promoting
gender equality. The Philippines also has a vibrant women’s movement which
is recognized for its work in the international and national levels.
However, Filipino Women also suffer from domestic violence, economic
disadvantages, discrimination at the workplace, exploitation as migrant workers,
and as prostituted women and displacement brought about by the intermittent
wars in conflict affected areas in the Philippines.

OBJECTIVES
By the end of this module, students should be able to:

• identify and articulate the key gender issues facing the country.
• understand what are the root-causes of persisting inequality, specifically
those that are against women, in the context of Philippine experience.
• explain the existing national policies in promoting gender equality in the
country.

 DIRECTIONS/ MODULE ORGANIZER

Specifically, this module revolves around selected gender issues in the

Philippines.

There are two lessons in the module. Read each lesson carefully then
answer the exercises/activities (two learning activities and a summative test)
to find out how much you have benefited from it. Work on these exercises
carefully and submit your output to your instructor in the agreed time-frame of
submission.

In case you encounter difficulty, discuss this with your instructor via
online platforms.

Good luck and happy reading!!

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Lesson 1

 An Overview of Gender Situation in

the Philippines
By: Anonuevo, C. (2000).

The gender situation in the Philippines is characterized by sharp

contradictions. It graphically showcases samples of women’s advancement in
politics, academic and professional excellence, and even legislation. But this is
contrasted by images of prostituted women, battered wives, economically
disadvantaged women and exploited migrant workers.

The socio-cultural traditions are clashing with the MTV and cyberspace
generation. The long history of colonialism has embedded a patriarchal culture
among Filipinos. The conception of women as full-time homemakers, as
subordinated to men, violence against them is private, as reserve labor force,
and as sexual objects is now being eroded by modern women asserting
themselves in many aspects of life. But on the other hand, some are either
marginalized, discriminated, or even exploited by the harsh realities of global
economy and consumerism.
Both the changes and the inertia of traditions are the backdrop of a very
active and dynamic women’s movement. The Philippines is a main player in the
international women’s arena and this is anchored on a very vibrant local
women’s movement. Numerous organizations and NGOs exist for the cause of
gender equality and other related women issues.

This puts the gender equality issues at the forefront of national discourse
and precludes further downslide of women status in the modern Philippine
society. Indeed, there are many handles for the changes to happen. These legal
and policy gains resulted from the strong voice of women that started even
during the anti-dictatorship struggle that culminated with the ascension of
Corazon Aquino as the first woman president of the country.

Women and Gender Concerns in Legal and Policy Frameworks

The 1987 Constitution states two prominent provisions. The first in the
Declaration of Principles Article II Section 14 which asserted that: “The State
recognizes the role of women in nation-building and shall ensure the
fundamental equality before the law of women and men.” Additionally, the
Article XIII-Labor: Section 14 provided that: “The state shall protect working
women by providing safe and healthful working conditions taking into account
their maternal functions, and such facilities and opportunities that will enhance
their welfare and enable them to realize their full potential in the service of the
nation”.

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Following from constitutional provisions and the subsequent efforts to

broaden its principles, numerous legislations were enacted that relates to the
various aspects of women and gender concerns. The list includes:

• Gender and Development Law (5% of government agencies' budget

is for gender concerns)
• Party-List Law (women as a particular sector for representation in
the legislature through party-list elections)
• Anti-Sexual Harassment Law (defining SH and providing
mechanisms)
• Anti-Rape Law (elevation of rape as crime against person)
• Barangay Day Care Center Law (day care center for every village)
• Women in Nation-Building Law (allocation of budget for women
from development funds from foreign governments and multilateral institutions)
• Anti Mail-Order-Bride Law (making the practice unlawful)
• Repatriation Law (repatriation of Filipinas who lost citizenship by
marriage in case of need)
• Non-Discrimination Law in Labor Code (women protection in hiring
and pay)
• Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law (equal rights for women to be
recipients of land)
• Military Training equality (women can enter the military and police
schools and providing facilities for them)

While the legal framework is there, the actual situation mirrors the deep
gender divide. In the aspect of women in politics, the notable success of several
women is overshadowed by the actual ground level statistics. The lady Vice-
President is up to nowa shoo-in in the next presidential elections in 2004.

But the big picture shows that of all the elective positions occupied
through the 1998 elections, only 15% are women.

In the two-chamber Congress, the Senate (Upper House) has 17.4% women
membership (4 out of 23 seats) which the House of Representatives (Lower
House) has 12.4% (27 out of 217 seats). The first party-list elections in 1998--
wherein sectoral groups like women competed to get a maximum of 3 seats per
party in the House of Representatives--resulted in the winning of one (1) seat
for a single women's party. Five (5) other women's party did not make the
minimum votes required.

At the local government level, women Provincial Governors constitute

17% while Vice-Governors are at 11.5% level. Among the City and Town Mayors,
14.5% of them are women while the ranks of the Vice-Mayors are at low of
10.8%.

The labor force statistics show also a mixed picture. Since there was a
notable feminization of the workforce in the past years, July 2000 figures
showed that there are 1.942 million unemployed women while there are 2.631
million unemployed men. However, more women are taken in for labor
flexibility arrangements especially in the big services sector like in retail trade.
This leaves them exposed to employment insecurity and unfair compensation
schemes.

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Women still accounts for 53% of the unpaid family workers while they
constitute only 37.7% of the wage and salary earners. Though this shows that the
regular income possibilities for women are still limited, the average household
annual income of female-headed families is higher. The situation also pushes
them to seek employment overseas. Increasing numbers of domestic helpers and
entertainers are also being deployed both legally and illegally.

Within organizations, the gender balance is under overhaul. Trade union

leadership is still male-dominated but women committees and affirmative
actions have changed the complexion of decision-making. The public sector
unions have made great inroads as four (4) of the major federations are under
the strong leadership of women.

However, the social fabric remains tainted by arrogance of male power.

Police statistics remains indicative of the traditional ways of how women are
seen in the social and family context. In 1998, 6,518 cases of violence against
women were reported with rape accounting for 1,054 cases and physical injuries
at a high of 2,633 cases. Last year, the former was pegged at 13.79% and the
latter reached 35.17% of the cases reported.

The Civil Society’s Response to Women and Gender Issues

In response to problems that continue to face the Filipina, numerous civil

society groups were organized. The vocal women’s movement was instrumental
in the enactment of the laws that seek to protect women and broaden their role
in the society.

Sub-sectoral groupings of women guaranteed the articulation of specific

interests and agendas while issue-based networks and coalitions advocated and
lobbied to policy-makers and legislators. The campaign for the sexual
harassment and the anti-rape laws saw the synergy of the different
organizational forms within the women’s movement. Their current engagement
deals with the law that deals with domestic violence, abortion and divorce.

Such advocacy work is also complemented with concrete projects at the

ground level. Community-based groups tackle violence against women, rural and
urban women establish economic undertakings that help them increase their
income, wives and families of migrant workers establish their own savings and
insurance network, and crisis centers are organized in some parts of the
country. Even prostituted women have found both protection and solidarity
within their organizations.

These activities have seen successes and failures but they constitute as
challenges to the socio-cultural bondage and blinders that up to this age of
Internet and globalization has victimize the Filipina. The gender situation in the
Philippines can be described in sum as:

1. The legal framework has provided basic frameworks and processes

for women empowerment and gender fairness but the dynamics of political and

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social institutions reinforced by the cultural standpoints continue to provide a

push-pull effect on gender equality.

2. Women have made significant advances in politics. Though there

may be several factors that tend to lessen its importance --like belonging to a
political dynasty, the role of women in national and local decision-making can
no longer be ignored and their competence, in some cases, suits up or even
exceeds that of male politicians.

3. The women's voice in the society is very strong due the vibrant
women's movement. Recognized for their work in the international and national
levels, the movement has been instrumental in pushing for many changes in the
various facets of the Philippine society. Additionally, the various organizations
have worked on --with pioneering educational approaches and service-specific
projects-- the "culture shift" of both men and women.

4. The statistics on women remain indicative of the deep-rooted and

widespread problems they encounter in their daily lives. The labor market has
stereotyped women, disadvantaged them in jobs and incomes, and even forced
them into prostitutions and slave-like work. The social image of a Filipina is still
that of a weak person, poster girl of domestic help, expert in double burden,
and a sexual object. While the mainframe of gender politics is changing, the
struggle of women to escape from the traditional mold everyday life continues.

 1.
LEARNING ACTIVITY 1
The data cited by Anonuevo in the above discussion, provided an
overview of the gender situation in the Philippines. But these data are largely
based on available source prior to 2000. As part of your learning activity, read
about articles online that could provide you with the most recent information,
statistical updates and developments on issues pertaining to gender and women
issues in the country. You may want to visit websites of the national agency (i.e.
UN Women, PCW, PSA, DOLE, COMELEC, PIA, etc.). A recent publication by
David et al (2017) in the Philippine Institute of Development Studies of the
University of the Philippines may serve as a starting point for this reading
assignment (No corresponding points. Provide important statistics about gender
situation in the country such as percentage of women in the workplace, number
of gender-based violence recorded, women participation in politics, etc. Write
this down in a bullet form. (20 pts.)

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Lesson 2

 Survey of Laws on Women and

Gender Issues in the Philippines

As the government recognizes the role and influence of women in the

Philippines, many laws have been crafted to guarantee their protection and
well-being, may it be in work or household.

The following list pertains to laws covering gender issues, specifically of

Filipino women’s rights in the Philippines:

105-Day Expanded Maternity Leave Law

Signed into law on February 2019 by President Rodrigo Duterte, Republic

Act 11210 or the Expanded Maternity Leave Law extends the previous 60-day (78
days for caesarian section delivery for women workers in the private sector)
paid maternity leave to 105 days.

The law also entails an option to extend for an additional 30 days of

unpaid leave. Additional 15 days paid maternity leave shall also be granted to
female solo parents.

Prohibition on Discrimination Against Women

RA 6725 prohibits discrimination with respect to terms and conditions of

employment solely on the basis of sex.
Under this law, any employer favoring a male employee over a female in
terms of promotion, training opportunities, and other benefits solely on account
of sex is considered discrimination.

Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004

RA 9262, or An Act Defining Violence Against Women and Their Children,

Providing Protective Measures for Victims, Prescribing Penalties Therefor and for
Other Purposes, recognizes the need to protect the family and its members
particularly women and children, from violence and threats to their personal
safety and security.

Under this law, the state also recognizes the need to protect the family
and its members particularly women and children, from violence and threats to
their personal safety and security.

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Assistance for small-scale women entrepreneurs

This law seeks to provide all possible assistance to Filipino women in their
pursuit of owning, operating and managing small business enterprises.

RA 7882, or the act that states the Provision of Assistance to Women

Engaging in Micro and Cottage Business Enterprises, and for other purposes, was
approved in February 1995.

Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995

RA 7877 addresses the issue of sexual harassment committed in

employment, education or training environment. It was signed into law on
February 14, 1995, under former President Fidel Ramos' administration.

Sexual favors made as a condition in the employment or granting

promotions or privileges; or the refusal to grant the sexual favor results in
limiting, segregating or classifying the employee which in any way would
discriminate, deprive or diminish employment opportunities or otherwise
adversely affect is punishable by law.

The Anti-Rape Law of 1997

RA 8353 states that any person having carnal knowledge of a woman

through force, threat, or intimidation or by means of fraudulent machination or
grave abuse of authority will be punished.

Depending on the severity of the case, the offense may be punishable

reclusion perpetua or life imprisonment.

Rape Victim Assistance and Protection Act of 1998

RA 8505 declares the policy of the State to provide necessary assistance

and protection for rape victims.

The government shall coordinate its various agencies and non-government

organizations to work hand in hand for the establishment and operation of a
rape crisis center in every province and city that shall assist and protect rape
victims in the litigation of their cases and their recovery.

Magna Carta of Women

RA 9710 is a comprehensive women's human rights law that seeks to

eliminate discrimination through the recognition, protection, fulfillment, and
promotion of the rights of Filipino women, especially those belonging in the
marginalized sectors of the society.

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It conveys a framework of rights for women based directly on

international law.

Pursuant to this law is Executive Order 273 that states the approval and
adoption of Philippine Plan for Gender-Responsive Development, 1995-2025.

National Women's Day

RA 6949 declares the eighth day of March every year as a special working
holiday.

This ensures meaningful observance of the holiday, where all heads of

government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned and
controlled corporations as well as local government units, and employers in the
private sector shall encourage and afford sufficient time and opportunities for
their employees to engage and participate in any activity conducted within the
premises of their respective offices or establishments to celebrate National
Women's Day.

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 LEARNING ACTIVITY 2

1. Read about news articles that highlight issues pertaining to the

aforementioned laws on gender and women in the Philippines--- ranging from
specific news on violation of these laws to general issues such as unresolved
debates between those who are ‘pro’ or ‘against’ specific clause of these said
laws. Attach a copy of the news report. (5 pts.)

2. Reflect on the issue presented in the news, and provide a brief

reaction or a position paper about the issue. A short essay will also do about the
news being presented. Answer in not less than five (5) but not more than twenty
(20) sentences. (25 pts.)

Example:

(Reaction, short essay, position paper)

_______________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________.

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 MODULE SUMMARY

In Module IV, you have learned about selected gender issues in the
Philippines.

There are two lessons in Module IV. In Lesson 1, we made use of

Anonuevo, C. (2000) as reference in exploring the gender situation in the
country over the years.

Lesson 2 provided a survey of laws dedicated to gender issues in the

country.

Congratulations! You have just studied Module IV. Now, you are ready to
evaluate how much you have benefited from your reading by answering the
summative test. Good Luck!!!

GEEC 111 MODULE IV: Gender Issues in Philippine Context

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 SUMMATIVE TEST

PART I. Identification. Identify the concept being asked by the statements

below (10 pts./ 2 pts. each).

1. _____________________________ The earliest version of this

bill was filed in 2000 by the late senator Miriam Defensor Santiago and former
Akbayan representative Loretta Rosales under the 11th Congress. The bill is said
to encompass the long-held fight for equality and anti-discrimination for the
LGBTQ+ community.

2. _____________________________ Equally controversial

legislation related to women’s issues, this law is said to guarantee universal
access to methods on contraception, fertility control, sexual education, and
maternal care.

3. _____________________________ Also known as RA 9710, it is

a comprehensive women's human rights law that seeks to eliminate
discrimination through the recognition, protection, fulfillment, and promotion
of the rights of Filipino women, especially those belonging in the marginalized
sectors of the society.

4. _____________________________ It is an international
treaty adopted in 1979 by the United Nations General Assembly. Described as an
international bill of rights for women, it was instituted on 3 September 1981 and
has been ratified by 189 states.

5. _____________________________ Under this law, the state

recognizes the need to protect the family and its members particularly women
and children, from violence and threats to their personal safety and security.

PART II. ESSAY. Answer the questions as concise but as substantial as

possible. English or Filipino will do. Use own words/ rephrase original source.
Limit your answer into one paragraph ONLY (40 pts./ 10 pts. each).

1. The data used by Anonuevo as reference in Lesson 1, indeed

provided an overview of the gender situation in the Philippines. But these data
are largely based on available source prior to 2000 which are already obsolete.
Provide updated data that shows the development of gender situation in the
country by researching on the most recent national policies passed by the
legislature, recent statistical reports on women’s contribution to labor force and
changes in the ratio or percentage of participation of women in local and
national politics. Cite your sources. You may begin with by referring to the
websites of relevant national agencies (i.e. PCW, PSA, DOLE, COMELEC, PIA,
etc.).
A recent publication by David et al (2017) in the Philippine Institute of
Development Studies of the University of the Philippines may also serve as a
comprehensive source for your reference (see attached readings in the

GEEC 111 MODULE IV: Gender Issues in Philippine Context

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reference list). You may answer in bullet-form, tabular form or in paragraph

form. (10 pts.).

2. What are the major developments from 2000 up to the present?

Have we been better-off when it comes to gender and women’s issues as
compared before? Yes or no, and why? Answer in one paragraph ONLY (10 pts.)

3. Based on your reading of news articles that highlight issues

pertaining to the existing laws on gender and women in the Philippines (Learning
Activity for Lesson 2), select one specific article. Provide a summary of the news
and highlight the controversies surrounding the topic as presented by the author
in the article. The more recent, the better. Properly cite your reference.
Answer in one paragraph ONLY (10 pts.)

4. What is the most pressing issue on gender situation in the

Philippines do you think is worthy of discussion among the contemporary youths
and students like you? Why? Answer in one paragraph ONLY (10 pts.)

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 REFERENCES & FURTHER READING

ADB (2013). Gender Equality in the Labor Market in the Philippines.

Accessible at:
https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/publication/31194/gende
r-equality-labor-market-philippines.pdf

Anonuevo, C. (2000). An Overview of the Gender Situation in the

Philippine. Accessible at: https://library.fes.de/pdf-
files/bueros/philippinen/50069.pdf

Boundless. (2016). “The Social Construction of Gender.” Sociology –

Cochise College. Accessible at:
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/cochise-sociology-
os/chapter/the-social-construction-of-gender/

Cudis, C. (2019). List of laws protecting women in PH. Accessible at:

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1063739

David, C. et al (2017). Sustainable Development Goal 5: How Does the

Philippines Fare on Gender Equality? Philippine Institute for
Development Studies. Discussion Paper Series No. 2017-45
Accessible at:
https://pidswebs.pids.gov.ph/CDN/PUBLICATIONS/pidsdps1745.pdf

PCW. Laws, Issuances and other Legislation on Women. Accessible at:

https://www.pcw.gov.ph/laws

Santiago, S. (2008). Philippines: Country Gender Profile. Accessible at:

https://www.jica.go.jp/english/our_work/thematic_issues/gender
/background/pdf/e08phi.pdf

UNDP. (2010). Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in the

Philippines. Accessible at:
https://www.undp.org/content/dam/philippines/docs/Governance
/fastFacts%20-
%20Gender%20Equality%20and%20Women%20Empowerment%20in%2
0the%20Philippines%20rev%201.

UNDP. (2018). LEGAL GENDER RECOGNITION IN THE PHILIPPINESA Legal and

Policy Review. Accessible at:
https://www.undp.org/content/dam/philippines/docs/Others/rba
p-hhd-2018-legal-gender-recognition-in-the-philippines.pdf

17 Congress, Philippine House of Representatives. (2017). SOGIE Bill.

Accessible at:
http://www.congress.gov.ph/legisdocs/first_17/CR00101.pdf

GEEC 111 MODULE IV: Gender Issues in Philippine Context