Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

vous BiLLNo. 1890

Introduced by Hon. Alexandria P. Gonzales

EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized burnout as an occupational
phenomenon resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.
It manifests as emotional exhaustion, reduced professional efficacy, and feelings of negativism
or cynicism related to one's job. In the Philippines, high levels of stress and poor work-life
balance are leading causes of declining productivity, increased absenteeism, and growing
mental health challenges across sectors.

The Philippine Mental Health Act (Republic Act No. 11036) was a landmark piece of legislation.
However, its implementation, especially in workplaces, has been limited and uneven. There is a
pressing need to institutionalize proactive, measurable, and culturally relevant mental health
and burnout prevention policies at the workplace level.

This bill seeks to fill that gap by mandating the creation of Mental Health and Burnout
Prevention Programs in all medium: to large-scale workplaces, promoting psychological
resilience, and protecting employees’ right to a mentally healthy working environment. This
includes integrating flexible work options, regular mental health assessments, confidential
support services, and mandatory training for both employees and management.

Mental health is not just a personal issue—it is a productivity issue, a public health issue, and a
human rights issue, With this bill, we commit to a future where Filipino workers thrive not just

physically or economically, but mentally and emotionally as well.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

ALEXANDRJA P. GONZALES


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

1899

HOUSE BILL NO.

troduced by Hon. Alexandria P. Gonzales

AN ACT
PROMOTING MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING IN THE WORKPLACE AND
INSTITUTING MEASURES TO PREVENT BURNOUT, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Workplace Mental Health and
Burnout Prevention Act.

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to promote holistic well-being
and protect the mental health of all workers. The State recognizes that a mentally healthy
workforce enhances productivity, ensures sustainability, and upholds human dignity.

SEC. 3, Coverage. - This Act shall apply to all government agencies, government-owned and
-controlled corporations (GOCCs), and private enterprises with at least twenty (20) regular
employees.

SEC. 4. Definition of Terms. -

a. Mental Health ~ A state of well-being wherein individuals realize their abilities, cope
with the normal stresses of life, and work productively.

b. Burnout ~ A syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress,
characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced
performance.

¢. Psychosocial Hazards ~ Aspects of work design, organization, or management that
may cause psychological or physical harm.

SEC. 5. Workplace Mental Health Program. - All covered establishments shall develop and
implement a Workplace Mental Health and Burnout Prevention Program (WMHBPP), which

must include the following:

a. Regular Mental Health Awareness Activities


b. Confidential and Voluntary Mental Health Check-ups
c. Access to Psychological Support Services (onsite or through accredited partners)
d. Stress Management and Resilience Training for Employees and Supervisors

e. Work-Life Balance Strategies, including flexible hours, mental health breaks, and no-
after-hours communication policies

f, Zero-Tolerance Policy Against Mental Health Discrimination and Stigma

SEC. 6, Mental Health Committee. - A Workplace Mental Health Committee shall be formed
in all covered entities, composed of management, human resource personnel, and employee
representatives, in coordination with the Occupational Safety and Health Committee.

SEC. 7. Integration with Existing Laws. - The program shall be harmonized with Republic
‘Act No. 11036 (Mental Health Act) and Republic Act No. 11058 (Occupational Safety and
Health Standards Act).

SEC. 8. Technical Support and Capacity-Building. - The Department of Labor and
Employment (DOLE), Civil Service Commission (CSC), and Department of Health (DOH)
shall develop capacity-building programs, guidelines, and monitoring tools for
implementation of this Act.

SEC. 9. Incentives for Compliance. - Establishments that fully comply may be eligible for
tax incentives, recognition awards, or grants to sustain their mental health programs, as
may be determined by DOLE and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

SEC. 10. Penalties. - Non-compliance by covered institutions may result in administrative
penalties as prescribed under existing labor laws and regulations.

SEC. 11. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act
shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 12, Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is held invalid or
unconstitutional, the remaining provisions shall not be affected.

SEC. 13. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,