Mothers, labor groups call for signing of Expanded Maternity Leave bill

Photo by Gabriel Pabico Lalu, INQUIRER.net

Several women and labor groups have called on the current administration to sign the Expanded Maternity Leave (EML) Bill, which would increase the number of allowed paid leave for mothers to 105 days.

During a program at the University of the Philippines’ Solair auditorium on Friday, members of Akbayan Women, Nagkaisa, Sentro, PSLink, Partido Manggagawa, Industrial, Philippine Women’s Committee, and Associated Labor Unions-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines, asked the administration to prioritize the bill that was ratified in the Senate on Thursday.

Senator Risa Hontiveros, the principal author of the proposal, who also attended the event, said the passage of the EML was a historic event.

According to her, the last time the maternity leave was increased was in 1996, or 26 years ago.

“After 26 long years, mothers and families can now look forward to more time to prepare for the rigors of pregnancy, more time to breastfeed their children, and recover from delivery,” Hontiveros said.

If enacted, the currently allowed maternity leave would be increased from 60 days paid leave to 105 days, and an additional 15 days or 120 days for single mothers. Seven days of a mother’s leave can also be transferred to her husband, partner, or alternative caregiver.

Companies who would provide the EML to its employees, once it is enacted into law, may face penalties of at least P20,000.

This measure will put the Philippines on the same level with its neighboring countries at the ASEAN region, Hontiveros said.

“The number of maternity leave in our country is now also at par with those of our ASEAN neighbors. This moment is nothing short of historic,” she added.