NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
SENATE
S.B. No. 1817
©Senate
(©(fitPOf tilf
23 M 31 P3 51
RECEIVED BV;
Introduced by Senator Raffy T. Tulfo
AN ACT
PROMOTING THE MENTAL HEALTH OF EMPLOYEES AND PROVIDING FOR 
MENTAL HEALTH LEAVE AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
In relation to Republic Act No. 11036 also known as "Mental Health Act" where 
the state commits itself to promoting the well-being of people by ensuring the mental 
health is valued and promoted and protected; mental health conditions are treated 
and prevented; timely, affordable, high quality, and culturally -appropriate mental 
health case is made available to the public, it is a high time that the Philippines include 
in its priorities not just the provision of mental health services but the time to allow 
the employees to prevent and address a concerning pose to their mental well-being.
Gallup World Poll reported that Filipino workers are the most stressed workers 
in Southeast Asia. In another study by Microsoft, Filipinos are the most overworked 
employees. Contributing factors to having work cited as a significant source of stress 
are the excessive demands of the workplace, the long hours of commute to and from 
work, the lack of a work-life balance and the below-market pay. This is crucial as 
continued stress can lead to problems such as depression, anxiety or burnout. If job 
stress goes unaddressed, organizations may also pay the price in higher rates of 
turnover, disengagement, and absenteeism.
To prevent this from happening, employees shall be given the chance to break 
free from stress, especially if it's already leaning towards depression or other serious 
mental health concerns. Unfortunately, when compared to receiving treatment for 
physical illness, taking time off for mental health concerns is not as commonly


considered as normal in the Philippines. One reason is because taking the time off for 
mental health related problems is not well-supported in the country leading to Filipinos 
not feeling comfortable sharing their mental health challenges for fear of alienation or 
prejudice.
There has to be more initiative to normalize pondering mental well-being and 
to raise awareness that recovery from mental health illness does not happen 
overnight. The assistance should continue throughout recovery, not just after the 
appropriate recommendation has been made. Employers must also carry out a risk 
assessment relative to their workplace mental health policies, for stress at work and 
take actions based on any findings. Anyone can experience mental or emotional health 
problems — and over a lifetime, many of us will. That's why awareness and 
understanding mental health is vital and shall be supported at all costs.
In the state's effort to uphold a holistic well-being approach which comprise 
the body, mind and even spirit, this bill shall allow the employees to take 10 days off 
per year to seek professional treatment for mental health conditions provided they 
have presented a certification from a mental health professional indicating the need 
for mental health leave. This shall allow the employees to undergo the prescribed 
therapy and recover from the physical and emotional toll of stress.
In view of the foregoing, the urgent passing of ttris bill is earnestly sought.


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHIUPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
SENATE
S. No.
(©ffitf of Hi? Ota;'2>
23 JAN 31 P3S1
RECEIVtDBV.
Introduced by Senator Raffy T. Tulfo
AN ACT
PROMOTING THE MENTAL HEALTH OF EMPLOYEES AND PROVIDING FOR 
MENTAL HEALTH LEAVE AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Mental Health Promotion
2 
and Leave Act for Employees."
3 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to promote the mental
4 
health and well-being of employees, in order to improve their productivity,
5 
performance, and overall quality of life. The State also recognizes the need for
6 
employees to take time off work for the purpose of addressing their mental health
7 
concerns.
8 
Sec. 3. Promoting Mental Health in the Workplace. - Employers shall take
9 
necessary steps to promote mental health in the workplace, such as providing access
10 
to mental health services and resources, and implementing programs to prevent and
11 
address workplace stress and burnout.


1 
Sec. 4. Employer's Responsibility. - Employers shall be responsible for
2 
promoting the mental health and well-being of their employees. Employers shall be
3 
required to:
4 
a) Provide an environment that is conducive to mental well-being
5 
b) Provide access to mental health services, including counseling and therapy
6 
c) Provide training and education on mental health and well-being for employees
7 
d) Provide accommodations and support for employees with mental health
8 
conditions
9 
e) Implement a confidential and non-discriminatory process for employees to
10 
report mental health concerns
11 
Sec.5. Employee's Right - Employees shall have the right to:
12 
a) Access mental health services, including counseling and therapy
13 
b) Receive accommodations and support for mental health conditions
14 
c) Report mental health concerns without fear of discrimination or retaliation
15 
d) Maintain confidentiality of their mental health information
16 
e) Take mental health leave as provided for in this Act
17 
Sec. 6. Mental Health Leave. - Every employee in the Philippines shall be
18 
entitled to a mental health leave of not less than ten (10) working days per year. The
19 
mental health leave shall be in addition to the regular vacation and sick leave
20 
entitlements provided under existing laws.
21 
Sec. 7. Qualification for Mental Health Leave. - An employee shall be qualified
22 
for mental health leave if:
23 
a) He or she has been employed for at least six (6) months with the same
24 
employer;
25 
b) He or she has a medical certificate issued by a licensed mental health
26 
professional certifying that the employee is suffering from a mental
27 
health condition and is in need of treatment or counseling;


1 
Sec. 8. Payment of Salary During Mental Health Leave. - An employee who
2 
avails of mental health leave shall be entitled to receive full pay for the duration of the
3 
leave.
4 
Sec. 9. Implementation. - The Department of Labor and Employment shall be
5 
responsible for the implementation of this Act. The department shall issue the
6 
necessary guidelines and regulations for the promotion of mental health among
7 
employees, including the minimum standards for mental health services,
8 
accommodations, and support provided by employers, as well as the process for taking
9 
and granting mental health leave.
10 
Sec. 10. Penalties. - Any employer found to have violated any provision of this
11 
Act shall be subject to penalties as provided for in this Act.
12 
Sec. 11. Repealing Clause. - Any law, executive order, or rule or regulation
13 
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed or modified accordingly
14 
Sec. 12. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
15 
publication in the Official Gazette or in any newspaper of the general circulation.
Approved,