This one is historic, because for all its intents and
purposes, this law is a massive victory for women.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte signed into law a bill that
extends the existing 60days of maternity leave to 105 days with full pay.
(photo credit to CNNPhils) |
Under the new law, working mothers regardless of civil
status—to extend their leave for another 30 days, but without pay. On the other
hand, single mothers can have an additional 15-day paid leave.
Seven of the 105 day leave benefit may be transferable to
fathers. This is separate from the law mandated 7 day paternity leave provided
under the 1996 Paternity Leave Act.
The old law allows only 60 days paid maternity leave for
women for normal deliveries and 78 days for caesarean section deliveries.
No to discrimination
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, issued a
warning to companies against gender discrimination now that maternity leaves
are now longer.
"Bawal ang
discrimination sa atin (discrimination
is not allowed here), they will be accountable for that. I don't think they
will," the spokesman said. "Regardless of the rules and regulations ng
mga (of the)
companies, they will have to follow the law now. Wala
na silang (they
don't have a) choice."
Vice President Maria Leonor Robredo gave the statement that
this would be a big help to those working mothers who cannot hire baby sitters.
"At least maiiwanan
niya iyong kaniyang anak na medyo malaki-laki na. Kaya ito, mahaba-habang
pinush ng maraming advocates, at
nagpapasalamat tayo na,
finally, ngayon ay batas na siya," Robredo said
In the ASEAN region, prior to the signing of the law, the
Philippines is one of the countries that have the shortest maternity leave
duration aside from Malaysia.
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Report from CNNPhils
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