MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law a measure extending paid maternity leave for women in government and private sector to 105 days.
Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said the President signed the bill granting additional maternity leave benefits to all female workers regardless of her civil status or legitimacy of her child on Wednesday.
Working women will now have 105 days of maternity leave with full pay and the option to extend for another 30 days without pay. Solo mothers will also have additional leave of 15 days.
Expanded maternity leave proponent Sen. Risa Hontiveros said in a statement that the signing of the measure is a “massive victory” for women and their families.
“The signing into law of the Expanded Maternity Leave Act is a moment mothers, families, and children will not only remember, but a victory generations of Filipinos will reap the benefits of for the rest of their lives,” Hontiveros said.
She added: “The law squarely addresses our lack of maternity leave days, and puts us on a par with international standards. It also supports the best available evidence and practice which are consistent with improving maternity leave policy.”
The lady senator said mothers will now “have more time to rest from pregnancy.” “Children will be better fed. Fathers and caregivers can bond and create more lasting memories with their loved ones, as families everywhere receive the greatest gift of all time,” she further said.
The Department of Labor and Employment made the bill a “priority legislation” and was reviewed by concerned government agencies, including the tripartite council, before Duterte’s signing./PN
