MANILA — Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito highlighted growing mental health challenges faced by business process outsourcing (BPO) workers during a hearing of the Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development, chaired by Senator Raffy Tulfo.

Ejercito said the BPO sector’s work environment is “very unique and stressful,” warning that mental health issues have become a “clear and present danger” for many employees.

“Very unique at stressful ang environment ng BPO workers. Marami talagang ngayon ang nagsa-suffer sa mental health, at kailangan itong tutukan,” he said during the hearing.

The lawmaker 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.

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

Ejercito also asked the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) about the availability of mental health and wellness leaves. 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, emphasizing that protecting workers’ mental health is both a workplace and public health priority requiring coordinated action from government, employers, and healthcare providers.

Ejercito previously 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 funding will be used to procure essential mental health medicines and implement other activities under the Mental Health Program in accordance with Republic Act No. 11036, or the Mental Health Act.