Last June 1, the Senate adopted the House Bill No. 6418 or the Anti-Age Discrimination in Employment Act on its third and final reading. The only thing needed for it to become a law is the President’s signature.
The House Bill No. 6418 or the Anti-Age Discrimination in Employment Act considers it wrongful for any employer to print or publish, or cause to be printed or published, in any form of media, including the Internet, any notice or advertisement relating to employment suggesting preferences, limitations, specifications and discrimination based on age.
It also forbids an employer from declining any job application because of age. Any forms of discrimination against any individual in forms of benefits, terms, and conditions, or any other rights of employment based on an individual’s age are also forbidden. Denying an employee any forms of training and promotion for the same reason is prohibited as well.
The bill also aims to develop equal opportunities and support in employment. In that sense, job employment will base purely on the individual’s knowledge, skills, abilities and other professional qualifications instead of age.
The proposed law is in accordance with the country’s policy in constraining employment age limitations as well as the protection of every employee’s rights. The law applies to all employers, labor contractors, subcontractors and labor organizations, the government and all its branches, subdivisions and instrumentalities, all government-owned and controlled corporations, government financial institutions, as well as non-profit private institutions or organizations.
An amount of P50,000 to P500,000 fine or an imprisonment for three to two years, or both, shall await for those who will be proven guilty of violating the law.
Instead of looking at the age of the job seeker, employers must focus on their potential. Technical works like software engineer jobs require certain skills such as coding and mobile development. The health industry prioritizes the person’s ability and skills. There are other factors that must be considered in hiring employees rather than focusing on the age requirement.
