The House of Representatives on Tuesday approved on second reading a bill which seeks to increase to 100 days the paid maternity leave for female workers in the government and private sectors, with an option to extend an additional 30 days without pay.
The lower chamber has approved House Bill (HB) 4113 via viva voce or voice voting.
The current law allows a 60-day paid maternity leave for normal childbirth and 78 days for caesarian delivery.
Under HB 4113, the option to extend an additional 30-day leave without pay could be availed provided that the female worker informs her employer in writing at least 45 days before the end of her ordinary maternity leave.
On March 6, 2017, the Senate already approved on third and final reading Senate Bill (SB) 1305 seeking to grant 120 days of maternity leave to expectant mothers, with an option to extend it for another 30 days without pay.
READ: Senate OKs bill raising maternity leave to 120 days
HB 4113 needs to get the lower chamber’s nod on third and final reading approval before it could be tackled in a bicameral conference committee.
Once the joint panel approves the reconciled versions of HB 4113 and SB 1305, both chambers would ratify it. The proposed measure will then be sent to President Rodrigo Duterte for signature and enactment into law. /ee