Longer paternity leave eyed

The Quezon City council is reviewing a proposed resolution that seeks to extend to 14 days the paternity leave for fathers whose spouses give birth through Caesarian section (C-section).

The draft measure, authored by 5th district Councilor Julienne Alyson Rae Medalla, seeks to amend the Paternity Leave Act of 1996. It has been referred for further study by the council’s committees on labor, employment and overseas Filipino workers; and on laws, rules and internal government.

In her proposed resolution, Medalla emphasized the crucial role played by a father in caring for his wife and newborn during and after birth.

“The recovery time after a C-section ranges from 3 to 12 weeks depending on the mother and the level of activity after the operation. Mothers will usually stay in the hospital from three to four days after surgery to make sure there are no complications,” she said.

She further cited a 2008 National Statistics Office report that said 10 percent of childbirth cases nationwide were through C-section and that the number of cases was three times higher in urban areas compared to rural areas.

“This resolution desires to extend the paternity leave to encourage fathers to aid in the recovery of their wives and to begin a bond with their baby,” Medalla said.

Should the resolution be confirmed on third and final reading, the city council will ask Congress to amend the Paternity Leave Act of 1996 to include the proposed change.

At present, the law entitles an employed father to seven days of paternity leave with full pay for the first four deliveries, including childbirth or miscarriage, of his legitimate wife provided that he notifies his employer of his spouse’s pregnancy and the expected delivery date.