MANILA – The expanded maternity leave law will take full effect after its implementing rules and regulations (IRR) were signed on Labor Day.
Senators Risa Hontiveros and Nancy Binay, who were among the authors of the bill, hailed the signing of the IRR months after the measure was signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte.
“I am happy that the implementing rules and regulations of the measure were signed and released today,” Hontiveros said. “I welcome this development as this ensures the full implementation of the law and that women will benefit from the measure.”
“This is certainly good news to all women workers and their families who patiently waited for the law’s IRR,” she added.
Binay said the development was the “best gift” for mothers on Labor Day. She voiced out against gender discrimination at work now that maternity leaves were longer.
“Bilang mga magulang at bilang isang bansa na may malasakit sa kapwa, ‘wag nating isantabi ang kontribusyon ng kababaihan. Let us start creating a work environment where women are not discriminated for wanting to be parents.” Binay said.
Under the signed law, the paid maternity leave was extended to 105 days. This allowed working mothers – regardless of civil status – to extend their leave for another 30 days, but without pay. Single mothers can have an additional 15-day paid leave.
Seven of the 105-day leave benefits are transferable to fathers. This may be claimed on top of the seven-day paternity leave provided under the 1996 Paternity Leave Act.
The previous law allowed only 60 days paid maternity leave for women for normal delivery and 78 days for caesarean section. /PN
