CHR: Limiting recruitment of female cops discriminatory

MANILA, Philippines — Limiting the number of female police recruits on the basis of pregnancy and extended maternity leave is discriminatory, according to the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).

CHR spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia yesterday cautioned the leadership of the Philippine National Police (PNP) from issuing remarks that may run counter to provisions of the Magna Carta of Women.

PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde recently justified limiting the number of women recruits to 10 percent of the police force as women police officers may get pregnant and avail of extended maternity leaves.

“Regardless of proposed legislation, Section 9(a) of the Magna Carta of Women is already explicit in mandating the PNP and other allied services to increase women hirees to reach 50 percent in five years from the passage of law,” she added.

De Guia said the country would mark the 10th anniversary of the passage of the Magna Carta next year.

“Justifying such limit on women’s pregnancy and extended maternity leaves goes against the spirit and intent of the Magna Carta of Women in prohibiting all forms of discrimination against women and of the maternity leave law in recognizing women’s gender specific needs,” she added.