Duterte signs
The law also applies to every instance of pregnancy,
expanded
maternity
leave law
Dharel Placido, ABS-CBN News
Posted at Feb 21 2019 11:59 AM | Updated as of Feb 21 2019 06:50 PM
MANILA (2nd UPDATE) - President Rodrigo
Duterte has signed into law a bill that will grant
additional leave benefits for working mothers, the
Palace confirmed Thursday.
Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said
Duterte signed Republic Act 11210 on Wednesday,
Feb. 20, beating the 30-day deadline for the
proposed measure to lapse into law.
Under the measure, all working mothers in the
government and private sector are guaranteed with
105 days of paid maternity leave credits, with 7
days transferable to fathers. An additional 15 days
of paid leave will be granted to single mothers.
Under the previous law, employed women are
entitled to 60 days of paid leave for normal delivery
and 78 days for caesarean delivery.
The law gives mothers the option to extend their
leave for another 30 days without pay, provided that
the employer is given due notice in writing at least
45 days ahead before the end of the maternity leave.
removing the 4-pregnancy cap. It shall be applied to
all female workers regardless of civil status.
For cases of miscarriage or emergency termination
of pregnancy, a 60-day paid maternity leave shall be
granted to a female worker.
Maternity benefits shall also be given to female
workers in the informal economy, provided that
they have remitted to the Social Security System at
least three monthly contributions in the 12-month
period immediately preceding the semester of her
childbirth, miscarriage, or emergency termination of
pregnancy.
In a statement, Sen. Risa Hontiveros, author of the
bill, said the law is a "massive victory for women
and their families."
"The law squarely addresses our lack of maternity
leave days, and puts us at par with international
standards. It also supports the best available
evidence and practice which are consistent with
improving maternity leave policy," she said.
"Now, mothers will 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."
The EML bill passed Congress in October 2018 and
was transmitted to the Palace on Jan. 21, 2019.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the
government is confident the law’s passage will not
result in discrimination against females in the hiring
process. The law also prohibits discrimination
against the employment of women in order to avoid
granting the expanded maternity benefits.
"Filipinos are family-oriented. These industrialist
businessmen, they will understand," Panelo said.