Lapid pushes for increase in service incentive leaves for workers

Sen. Manuel “Lito” Lapid. Senate PRIB file photo

MANILA, Philippines – Senator Manuel “Lito” Lapid is seeking to increase the number of paid service incentive leaves of qualified workers from five to 10 days.

Lapid filed Senate Bill No. 1511 on Tuesday, which seeks to amend a provision in the Labor Code of the Philippines stating that “every employee who has rendered at least one year of service shall be entitled to a yearly service incentive leave of five days.”

The senator noted that augmenting the number of employees’ paid leaves would boost their morale and well-being, improving their productivity.

“Mahalagang aspeto ng workers’ welfare and benefits ang pagkakaloob ng mga leaves upang ang ating mga manggagawa ay magkaroon ng pahanon para sa kani-kanilang mga pamilya, makapag-bakasyon at makapaglaan ng oras sa sarili,” he said in a statement.

(An important aspect of workers’ welfare and benefits is granting them leaves to spend time with their families, go on vacations, and have time for themselves.)

Lapid’s bill also pointed out that “getting time off from work every now and then is a good way to prevent occupational stress and burnout, and promote work-life balance.”

Notably, however, the proposed measure retains exemptions under the Labor Code, which excludes workers who already enjoy a 10-day paid service incentive leave and those working in establishments with less than 10 workers and establishments exempted by the Labor Secretary.

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JPV