A bill proposing free menstrual products in public schools and health centers nationwide received praise from women who welcomed the move to improve access to women’s healthcare.
The Akbayan reform bloc, comprising Reps. Dadah Kiram Ismula, Chel Diokno, Percy Cendaña and Dinagat Islands Rep. Kaka Bag-ao, filed House Bill 5179, also known as the “Free Period Products Act.” It aims to provide menstrual hygiene products at no cost.
The bill calls for the free distribution of period products such as sanitary napkins, tampons, reusable pads, menstrual cups, and other menstrual hygiene items in public schools, learning and skills training institutions and healthcare facilities.
It also mandates the mentioned establishments to “maintain emergency stockpiles” of the products “to ensure availability during natural disasters, armed conflict, or other emergencies.”
Ismula said the House bill aims to eliminate “period poverty” by guaranteeing access to menstrual hygiene products.
“The cost of pads and tampons has been a silent barrier, forcing girls to miss classes and women to skip work. Ang pagbibigay natin ng libreng menstrual products ay hindi lang usapin ng kalusugan, kundi katarungan din,” she was quoted as saying on Tuesday, October 8.
“The Free Period Products Bill is a pro-poor and pro-women measure. Panahon na para gawing libre at accessible ang menstrual products para sa lahat,” Ismula added.
The proposed measure received support from women who shared their experiences of purchasing menstrual products, describing them as “costly.”
“ABOUT TIME!!! Yes, I totally support this. Sobrang mahal ang feminine hygiene products at tina-tax pa. Dapat hindi tina-tax ang mga necessities!” an online user commented.
“Make women’s healthcare accessible! Do [you] even realize how expensive sanitary napkins are? These shouldn’t be treated like luxuries, they’re basic needs,” another said.
“The amount of money I spent on these products, lalo na I have endometriosis, has hurt my savings. So pleaseee, make it happen,” a different X (formerly Twitter) user shared.
“PLSSS, I CAN’T KEEP LOSING 200 PESOS [P200] PER MONTH FOR TS,” another Filipino commented.
“Accessible and safe. Para rin sa mga katulad ko na may endocrine disorder, napakalaking bagay nito,” a different X user shared.
SocFem Bacolod, a coalition of Bacolod youth leaders and individuals who adhere to socialist feminist principles, also welcomed the House bill, saying that menstrual hygiene “is a human rights issue.”
“Menstrual health is a basic right, not a privilege. For too long, stigma and inaccessibility have denied women and girls their dignity, education, and opportunities,” it said in a statement.
“In a country where poverty persists, many are forced to choose between food and menstrual care. Ensuring menstrual health is not just about hygiene — it’s about justice, equity, and human rights,” the organization added.
“It is time we recognize menstrual health for what it truly is: a matter of rights and dignity, not a burden to be shouldered. Ang regla ay hindi kahiyaan, ito ay patunay ng lakas ng kababaihan,” it further said.
Every month, women experience their menstrual cycle, during which vaginal bleeding occurs if pregnancy does not take place.
Menstruation typically begins around age 11 and continues until about age 51, with each period lasting three to five days.
Besides vaginal bleeding, women often experience symptoms such as cramping, bloating, mood swings, headaches and fatigue.
