Sorsogon 2nd District Representative Wowo Fortes has filed a measure in Congress aimed at addressing the long-standing shortage of clean and adequate public restrooms for women across the Philippines.
Under his proposed House Bill No. 7412, or the “Toilet Parity Policy Act,” Fortes underscored that access to proper restroom facilities is a critical issue of public health and safety, yet women continue to face disproportionately long queues in crowded public spaces.
“Access to clean, adequate, and well-maintained public restrooms is a fundamental component of public health, safety, and overall community well-being. Yet, in many crowded public places across the country, long queues outside women’s restrooms have become a common and persistent problem,” Fortes said.
The lawmaker explained that women typically require more frequent restroom use due to biological, social, and practical factors. However, the lack of sufficient facilities often forces them to delay, potentially leading to health concerns.
Fortes pointed to common problem areas such as shopping centers, universities, convention halls, cinemas, amusement parks, and major transport hubs—including airports, seaports, bus stations, and train depots—where restroom access for women remains inadequate.
To address the issue, the bill proposes a 2:1 ratio of female to male toilets in high-traffic public places, a standard inspired by policies implemented in other countries that have improved accessibility and reduced waiting times.
“Therefore, this bill seeks to address this inequity by adopting a rational and humane standard, a 2:1 ratio of female to male toilets or water closets in crowded public places. This approach is modeled after parity policies practiced abroad, where such reforms have significantly improved restroom accessibility and reduced crowding and wait times,” he added.
If enacted, the measure would require both government agencies and private operators to expand restroom infrastructure for women, aiming to enhance public health, safety, and overall convenience.