The Civil Service Commission (CSC) on Friday reminded government offices that female employees who are victims of abuse and violence are entitled to a 10-day paid leave.
The said leave is on top of other paid leaves as provided in Republic Act No. 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children (VAWC) Act of 2004.
“The special leave ensures that women in government service, regardless of employment status, can address critical needs such as medical care, counseling, legal protection, and pursuing legal action,” said CSC in a statement. “It also applies to female employees supporting child victims of abuse.”
However, the 10-day leave for violence victims is non-cumulative and cannot be converted to cash. Extensions beyond 10 days are unpaid or shall be charged to other earned leave credits, said CSC.
Further, agencies are urged to ensure confidentiality about their employees who are victims.
The Philippine government is observing the 18-day campaign against VAW, with a theme “UNiTEd for VAW-free Philippines,” from November 25 to December 12.
“The CSC also calls on agencies to strictly enforce CSC Resolution No. 2100064, which outlines rules against workplace sexual harassment, and to strengthen measures protecting women from gender-based violence,” the commission added.
From January to November 30, 2024, 11,636 VAWC cases have been recorded in the country, the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) earlier said.
But the PCW said that reporting cases of violence against women is still a problem in the country as incidents are usually kept among family members.—AOL, GMA Integrated News
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