Escudero inks supplemental mental wellness leave for Senate workers
Senate President Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero. Senate photo.
MANILA, Philippines— Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero has approved a 10-day Supplemental Mental Wellness Leave (SMWL) per year for Senate officials or employees diagnosed with a mental health condition.
This was on top of the existing five days of mental wellness leave granted by Escudero’s predecessor, Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri, in 2024.
The additional SMWL was contained in Policy Order No. 2025-006 recommended by Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr., and approved by Escudero on Tuesday.
This is to promote the well-being of its officials and employees “by institutionalizing a program that would raise awareness on mental health issues, correct the stigma associated with mental health conditions, identify and provide support to those at risk, and facilitate access of those with mental health conditions to psychiatric evaluation and treatment and psychosocial support, according to the new policy.
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It was also in compliance with Republic Act No. 11036 or the Mental Health Act, which upholds the basic right of all Filipinos to mental health. It also implores all employers to develop appropriate policies and programs on mental health in the workplace.
Requires medical certificate
“Fifteen days per year, in total. The 5 days under the initial 2024 policy order are ‘no-questions-asked’ leave privileges. But if you use more than 3 consecutive days, a medical certificate is required,” Bantug, texting in mixed Filipino and English, explained in a Viber message on Wednesday.
“The additional 10 days require a diagnosis and a certificate from a licensed psychiatrist,” he further said.
Under the new policy, all regular, permanent, and co-terminus officials and employees of the Senate, including casual, temporary and contractual employees, may avail of this new benefit as long as they have rendered at least six months of continuous service in the upper chamber.
“A Senate official or employee who is diagnosed with a mental health condition may apply for SMWL for the purpose of out-patient psychiatric consultations and psychiatric therapy, rehabilitation or treatment,” it said.
The application, however, must include a medical certificate issued by a licensed psychiatrist declaring that the employee is suffering from a mental health condition that requires periodic psychiatric consultations and/or psychiatric therapy, rehabilitation, or treatment.
“The SMWL shall be non-cumulative and non-commutative but may be used in combination with other existing leave privileges,” the order further said. /MR
