Sen. Villar files bills for mental health, journalist welfare, disability access

Sen. Camille Villar filed several bills aimed at addressing mental health concerns and improving Filipinos' well-being.

One of the measures seeks to expand PhilHealth coverage to include mental health disorders and grant a three-day Mental Health Wellness Leave with full pay for employees in both public and private sectors.

Villar emphasized that ensuring mental health wellness is a basic right for all Filipinos, aligning with the objectives of the Mental Health Act.

She also introduced a bill providing mandatory insurance coverage, hazard pay, and additional benefits for journalists and media workers on field assignments.

Among other bills, Villar filed measures to establish flexible work arrangements for pregnant women and postnatal mothers, provide maternity packages for low-income pregnant women, mandate accessibility in tourism sites for persons with disabilities and senior citizens, and offer a one-time cash grant of ₱5,000 to fresh graduates.