Senate to review bicam report on expanded maternity leave bill

The Senate is set to review the bicameral report on the bill providing for 105 to 120 days of maternity leave for working mothers to consider comments of the executive department.

Senator Risa Hontiveros, a proponent of the bill, disclosed this information on Tuesday even after the Senate has already ratified the bicameral report on the proposed measure last October.

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said Monday the measure’s provision adding appropriations and tax exemptions is being opposed by the Department of Finance (DOF) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

Hontiveros explained the proposed law would remain in the legislature for now and would not be submitted yet to President Rodrigo Duterte.

“Dahil dito, at resulta na rin ng konsultasyon sa mga advocates, ating kinokonsidera ang ilang komento ng (DOF) ukol sa batas,” she said in a statement.

(Because of this, and as a result of consultation with advocates, we are considering some of the comments of the Department of Finance about the law.)

“Amin muling ire-review ang batas upang lubusang tiyakin ang kahusayan nito bago ipadala sa Executive branch,” she also said.

(We will again review the law to ensure fully its effectiveness before sending it to the Executive branch.)

She assured, however, that the law will be signed by President Duterte before the year ends.

Under the expanded maternity law, working mothers will be given 105 days of paid leave. Seven of these leaves could be allocated to their husband’s paternal leave, while an additional 15 days will be given to solo mothers.  /kga