Senator JV Ejercito raises concerns on mental health challenges faced by BPO workers

Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito raised concerns on Thursday over the growing mental health challenges faced by business process outsourcing (BPO) workers in the country.

During the hearing of the Committee on Labor, Employment, and Human Resources Development, chaired by Senator Raffy Tulfo. Ejercito underscored the unique and highly stressful work environment in the BPO sector.

Ejercito warned that mental health has become a “clear and present danger” faced by many workers. “Very unique at stressful ang environment ng BPO workers. Marami talagang ngayon ang nagsa-suffer sa mental health, at kailangan itong tutukan,” he said.

He reminded government agencies and employers that mental health services are already covered under the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law, including access to mental health consultations and maintenance medicines, which are free and PhilHealth-covered.

“Marami kasing maintenance medicines na mahal. Baka hindi alam ng ilan na may mental health programs ang DOH na puwedeng i-avail—libre na at covered ng PhilHealth,” he added.

During the hearing, representatives from the BPO industry cited concerns that stressful work conditions, night-shift schedules, and lifestyle factors may negatively affect workers’ mental well-being, highlighting the need for stronger workplace mental health support.

The lawmaker from San Juan also asked the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) about the availability of mental health and wellness leaves, to which the agency confirmed that such leaves are allowed and encouraged, particularly in high-pressure work environments.

“This can be addressed if healthcare is accessible and if information reaches the workers. Kailangan malinaw, available, at ramdam ang serbisyo,” Ejercito said.

He stressed that protecting workers’ mental health is not only a workplace concern but a public health priority that requires coordinated action from government, employers, and healthcare providers.

Ejercito had earlier pushed for the allocation of more than P742 million for mental health programs during Senate budget deliberations on the proposed 2026 General Appropriations Bill.

The allocation will be used to procure and disburse essential mental health medicines, as well as implement other activities under the Mental Health Program in accordance with Republic Act No. 11036, or the Mental Health Act.

-Paraluman News