Bill seeks mental wellness break for employees, students

AGBIAG Party-list Representative Michelle Antonio has proposed a measure seeking to grant a three-day mental wellness break for employees and students.

In a statement on Thursday, March 15, Antonio said that the mental health wellness breaks will give employees and students the opportunity to reassess positively their mental well-being with the help of professionals.

“Mental health issues are and should no longer remain taboo, rather, we should be able to talk about it without prejudice to those affected in order to help each other,” Antonio said.

Employees who will avail of the three-day mental wellness break under the bill are entitled to full pay while students are excused from their classes.

The break for the students, however, should be availed only during regular class days and not during examination.

The House bill also mandates schools to include mental health lectures and discussion in its curriculum.

Under the bill, private and public schools should also have professional guidance counselors who will provide counselling services to the students.

Any entity or school who violates the provisions of the legislation should pay a fine not exceeding P100,000.

Responsible officers will face imprisonment of up to six months.