MENSTRUAL products should be tax exempted, a lawmaker said, calling the taxes “discriminatory” against women. 

As part of the All-Women Session at the House of Representatives, AKO ILOCANO AKO Party List Rep. Richelle Singson had said that the push is for Filipino women.

“I propose legislation that exempts menstrual products from unnecessary taxation. Pads and tampons are essential necessities for women’s health and well-being, yet they are inexplicably subject to value-added tax (VAT). In a country where poverty is pervasive, women should not have a difficult time in choosing between purchasing menstrual products and meeting other basic needs such as food,” Singson said.

“Taxing menstrual products is akin to imposing a financial burden on women for a natural biological process—a discriminatory practice that exploits our innate and constant health needs.  By exempting menstrual products from taxation, we can guarantee accessibility for all women, regardless of their socioeconomic status because affordable menstrual hygiene products are a matter of dignity, health, and equality,” she stressed.

Likewise, Singson said that there is an improvement for the availability of free or affordable menstrual hygiene products and for policies.

She said that this takes into consideration the “productivity associated with different phases of the menstrual cycle.”

“This can include flexible work hours, remote work options, and as proposed before, paid menstrual leave especially to those that may experience heightened physical and emotional burdens of menstruation in the workplace,” she said.

Another female lawmaker, Lapu-Lapu City Representative Ma. Cynthia Chan called for higher cash subsidies to solo parents earning minimum wage and below from the current P1,000 per month. 

She said based on a study, it showed that 95% of solo parents in the Philippines are women.