MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang lauded Thursday the signing of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Expanded Maternity Leave Law, which would grant mothers more “quality time” with their families.
The IRR of the law was signed on Wednesday, May 1, Labor Day. President Rodrigo Duterte signed the bill into law last February
READ: IRR for Expanded Maternity Leave Act signed
The law grants 105 days of paid maternity leave with option to extend for 30 days without pay.
Single mothers will also get additional 15 days of leave.
“That means for you ladies it will add more benefits to your present benefits. Imagine, 105 days. That means you will have more time for your family, quality time. And that means also your health will be protected because you will not be forced to work immediately after giving birth,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a Palace briefing.
“And also the husbands, di ba meron pa silang, extended na nagiging 15 days na. So nakakabuti sa pamilya yun,” he added./gsg