RMO No. 15-2021: Prescribes the BIR’s Mental Health Program

Summary

RMO No. 15-2021 prescribes the BIR’s Mental Health Program (MHP) under RA No. 11036 (Mental Health Act of 2018) and its Implementing Rules and Regulations.

Key points

1. No discrimination. Employees at risk or identified with a mental health condition are not discriminated against in recruitment, promotion and termination, regardless of status, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed or religion. They keep their benefits as government employees.
2. Continued work and return to work. They continue their duties if certified that their condition does not impede productivity, that they are fit to work, and that continued work will not aggravate the condition. Employees who were treated and recovered, as certified by an attending physician, may return if an accredited physician certifies they are fit to work.
3. Flexible arrangements and confidentiality. The Management Committee makes work arrangements adaptable and flexible for these employees. Information and medical records, including those from recruitment, are kept confidential under applicable laws, particularly the Data Privacy Act.
4. Rights. These employees are not deprived of work or of taking part in mental health policy and programs, and keep their civil, political, economic, social, religious and cultural rights. They have access to affordable evidence-based treatment and medical services.
5. Integration with OSH. Mental health initiatives are integrated into the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Standards in the BIR. The strategies, implementation mechanism and responsibilities are in the Order.

Who is affected

• BIR employees at risk or identified with a mental health condition

Summary by Tax Resources PH. It is not a substitute for the full text of the issuance or professional advice.