IBM Philippines extends benefits to LGBTQ+ employees

IBM Philippines on Tuesday, February 23, announced that all its local employees, regardless of gender, may enroll their domestic partners as dependents and beneficiaries for spouses' benefits—a winning blow for gender equality from the international business heavyweight in the wake of champion boxer and Cong. Manny Pacquiao's recent criticism of same-sex marriage.

Lesbian, gay, bi, trans, queer and other (LGBTQ+) domestic partners of IBM Philippines' employees can now avail of health coverage, life insurance, and 'accompanied employee' relocation entitlements.

IBM Philippines claims to be the first IBM unit in the ASEAN region to grant benefits for LGBTQ+ domestic partners, but points out that IBM has been offering same-sex partner benefits to its US employees since  1996.

"Prior to making these benefits available, domestic partners of LGBTQ+ IBM employees in the Philippines are able to avail leaves and other special benefits," said IBM Philippines' HR Area Leader, Divya Sharma, in a press release.

Sharma added that the company is committed to maintaining diversity and inclusiveness in its ranks.

"Our people are central to IBM's success—regardless of race, creed, gender, or disability," Luis Pineda, IBM Philippines' President and Country General Manager, was quoted as saying.

IBM touts its own internal business resource group, the Employee Alliance for LGBTQ+ Empowerment (EAGLE), which works with the company's HR and management to establish diversity in the workplace. — GMA News