DAVAO CITY (September 5) — Here’s good news to expectant mothers.
The House of Representatives approved on Tuesday Septeber 4, a bill expanding maternity leave to 100 days.
With its approval on third and final reading, the House and the Senate are expected to meet soon to reconcile House Bill 4113 and its counterpart measure Senate Bill 1305.
The Senate last year proposed for 120 days of maternity leave.
In an interview with CNN, House proponent Congreswoman Pia Cayetano said “I’m very happy to support 120 [days], but just to be sure that we consider the concerns of the employers sector, we should hear from Social Security System.”
Marchell, who is now on her fifth month of pregnancy is hoping “I wish the bill will be signed into law before I deliver my baby,”
Marchell who works in a private establishment said providing women enough time to spend for their newborn baby “will not just develop the mother-child bond but it will greatly help women towards recovery.”
Under the proposal, both the SSS and the employer will shoulder the employee’s pay.
As it is now, the law only provides for 60 days in paid maternity leave for normal childbirth and 78 days for caesarean delivery. –Jian A. Padillo/NewsLine.ph
