DAVAO CITY (February 21)-—President Rodrigo Duterte has signed the Expanded Maternity Leave Act, which means women who give birth will be given 105 days leave with pay.
The new law will expand the maternity leave from 60 days to 105 with pay. It provide for 105 days of paid maternity leave to all working new mothers in the government and private sectors, regardless of marital status.
The law grants additional maternity leave benefits to all female workers regardless of her civil status or legitimacy of her child.
Solo mothers will get 15 days of additional leave.
“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,” says Senator rissa Honteveros, the proponent of the Bill.
“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,” Hontiveros added.
Women groups has earlier said, the approval of the bill will give new mothers more time to rest her body and take care of her baby.-ezc
