INTERNATIONAL

AND NATIONAL
MANDATES
A deep understanding of Republic Acts

GOVERMENT LAWS AND POLICIES

 INTRODUCTION
Gender equality is a fundamental human right and a necessary
foundation for a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world. Laws
and policies play a crucial role in promoting and protecting gender
equality, addressing discrimination, and ensuring equal
opportunities for all genders. From international agreements to
national legislation and organizational policies, a comprehensive
framework is essential to eliminate gender-based disparities and
advance the rights of women, men, and gender-diverse individuals.
This introduction will provide an overview of key laws and policies
related to gender equality at the global, regional, and national
levels, highlighting their significance in fostering a more inclusive
and equitable society.
 REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8972
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR BENEFITS AND PRIVILEGES TO SOLO PARENTS
AND THEIR CHILDREN, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES.
Also known as the Solo Parents' Welfare Act of
2000 This R.A. is important because it
recognizes the rights of solo parents and
provides support for their needs. The law aims
to promote their well-being and the
development of their children by granting them
benefits such as livelihood assistance, flexible
work schedules, and parental leave. It
acknowledges the challenges faced by solo
parents and seeks to alleviate their burdens
through various forms of assistance and
support.
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9442
AN ACT AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7277, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS
THE "MAGNA CARTA FOR DISABLED PERSONS, AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES"
Is an important piece of legislation in the Philippines
that aims to promote the welfare and protect the
rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs). It provides
for a comprehensive set of policies, programs, and
services to ensure their full and equal participation in
society. Among its key provisions are the granting of
additional privileges and incentives, such as
discounts on goods and services, and the promotion of
accessibility in public buildings and transportation for
PWDs. This law plays a crucial role in advancing the
rights and well-being of PWDs.
 REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7277
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE REHABILITATION, SELF-DEVELOPMENT AND
SELF-RELIANCE OF DISABLED PERSONS AND THEIR INTEGRATION INTO THE
MAINSTREAM OF SOCIETY AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Also known as the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, is an
important law in the Philippines that protects the rights and
welfare of persons with disabilities (PWDs). It ensures their
full participation and inclusion in society by promoting their
rehabilitation, self-development, and self-reliance. The
law mandates the government and private sector to provide
PWDs with access to education, healthcare, employment,
and social services. It also prohibits discrimination against
PWDs and promotes their rights to access public
establishments and services. RA 7277 plays a crucial role in
promoting the rights and welfare of PWDs, ensuring their
full integration into society.
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9710
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE MAGNA CARTA OF WOMEN.

Also known as the "Magna Carta of Women," Is a landmark

legislation in the Philippines that aims to eliminate discrimination
against women by recognizing, protecting, fulfilling, and
promoting their rights. It provides for the elimination of
discrimination in political, economic, and social spheres, and
mandates the integration of a gender perspective in policies,
programs, and activities. The law is crucial for promoting gender
equality, empowering women, and advancing their rights and
welfare in society.
 REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8353
AN ACT EXPANDING THE DEFINITION OF THE CRIME OF RAPE. RECLASSIFYING THE SAME AS
A CRIME AGAINST PERSONS, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE ACT NO. 3815, AS AMENDED,
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE REVISED PENAL CODE, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

Also known as the Anti-Rape Law of 1997, is an

important piece of legislation in the Philippines that
aims to protect women from sexual assault and rape. It
defines and penalizes the crime of rape and provides
legal remedies for victims. The law also includes
provisions on the prosecution of rape cases,
confidentiality of proceedings, and support services for
victims. Overall, RA 8353 plays a crucial role in
addressing gender-based violence and promoting the
rights and dignity of women in the Philippines.
 REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10354
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A NATIONAL POLICY ON RESPONSIBLE PARENTHOOD
AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH.
Also known as the Responsible Parenthood and
Reproductive Health Act of 2012. Is a landmark
legislation in the Philippines that aims to promote
reproductive health, provide access to contraception,
and improve maternal care. The law recognizes the
right of individuals and couples to decide freely and
responsibly the number, spacing, and timing of their
children. It also mandates the government to provide
information and access to both natural and modern
family planning methods, as well as maternal care
services. The law is important for its focus on
promoting reproductive health and rights, which are
essential for the well-being and empowerment of
individuals and communities.
 REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9208
AN ACT TO INSTITUTE POLICIES TO ELIMINATE TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS ESPECIALLY
WOMEN AND CHILDREN, ESTABLISHING THE NECESSARY INSTITUTIONAL MECHANISMS
FOR THE PROTECTION AND SUPPORT OF TRAFFICKED PERSONS, PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR
ITS VIOLATIONS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

Also known as the "Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003,"

Is a crucial legislation in the Philippines that addresses
human trafficking, a serious violation of human rights. The
act aims to prevent trafficking in persons, especially women
and children, by penalizing acts such as recruitment,
transportation, transfer, or harboring of persons through
force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of exploitation. It
also provides for the protection and assistance of trafficked
victims and the prosecution of offenders. This law is
essential in combating modern-day slavery and protecting
the vulnerable from exploitation.
 REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8972
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR BENEFITS AND PRIVILEGES TO SOLO PARENTS AND THEIR
CHILDREN, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

Also known as the Solo Parents' Welfare Act of 2000, is important

because it recognizes the rights and privileges of solo parents in the
Philippines. It aims to provide support and assistance to solo parents
in their role as primary caregivers to their children. The act grants
solo parents access to benefits such as livelihood assistance,
educational scholarships, and priority in government programs for
housing and employment. It also promotes the creation of a
comprehensive program of services for solo parents and their
children, recognizing the challenges they face and aiming to improve
their overall well-being.
 REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7432
AN ACT TO MAXIMIZE THE CONTRIBUTION OF SENIOR CITIZENS TO NATION BUILDING,
GRANT BENEFITS AND SPECIAL PRIVILEGES AND FOR OTHERPURPOSES.

Also known as the "Senior Citizens Act of 1992," is an important

legislation in the Philippines that provides benefits and privileges to
senior citizens. The law aims to improve the quality of life of elderly
Filipinos by granting them discounts on goods and services, access to
healthcare and social services, as well as employment and livelihood
opportunities. It recognizes the valuable contribution of senior citizens
to society and promotes their well-being and social inclusion. RA 7432
highlights the government's commitment to uphold the rights and
welfare of the elderly, ensuring that they are able to enjoy a dignified
and fulfilling life in their golden years.
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11313
AN ACT DEFINING GENDER-BASED SEXUAL HARASSMENT IN STREETS, PUBLIC SPACES,
ONLINE. WORKPLACES, AND EDUCATIONAL OR TRAINING INSTITUTIONS, PROVIDING
PROTECTIVE MEASURES AND PRESCRIBING PENALTIES THEREFOR.

Also known as the Safe Spaces Act, is very important as it

aims to prevent gender-based sexual harassment in
public spaces, online workplaces, and communities. The
law defines various forms of harassment and provides
guidelines for preventing and addressing such behavior. It
emphasizes the promotion of a safe environment for all
individuals, regardless of gender, by raising awareness,
establishing mechanisms for reporting incidents, and
imposing penalties for violations. The law contributes to
promoting gender equality and ensuring the safety and
well-being of individuals in public and online spaces.
 CONCLUSION
Laws regarding gender equality and human rights are crucial
for ensuring a fair and just society. They serve as a foundation
for promoting equal opportunities, preventing discrimination,
and protecting the rights of all individuals, regardless of their
gender. These laws help to create a more inclusive and diverse
society, where everyone has the freedom to live their lives
without fear of discrimination or prejudice. Additionally, they
play a key role in promoting economic and social development,
as they enable more people to fully participate in society and
contribute to its progress. Overall, laws regarding gender
equality and human rights are essential for building a more
equitable future for everyone.