by FFE PH News staff

Media and Information firm Thomson Reuters Philippines is the first company in the country to offer health care benefits to their employees with same-sex partners.

The Domestic Partners Eligibility Policy recognises that single employees in committed relationships may enroll their partners as insurance and retirement plan beneficiaries. It is the first of its kind to be offered in the Philippines and Asia.

The adoption of the US-based company’s benefits policy in its Philippine unit is aimed to ‘foster an inclusive workplace where all employees are valued and have the opportunity to reach their full potential,’ said Thomson Reuters’ senior site officer and head of human resources Peter Buenaseda.

Eligibility will be determined through set criteria and other requirements.

In the Philippines, domestic partnership or ‘common-law marriage’ is recognised between a man and a woman. Same-sex couples, however, are entirely another thing. The country remains highly conservative and influenced by the Church, but many have an open view about sexuality.