House approves longer maternity leave on second reading

T HE House of Representatives passed on sec ond reading the measure seeking to extend the paid maternity leave period from 60 days to 100 days.

The bill was approved through a viva voce voting during the plenary session on Tuesday, August 28.

House Bill 4113, or the “100-day Maternity Leave Law”, covers all female workers in government and private sectors.

The bill states that the enjoyment of maternity leave cannot be deferred but should be availed of either before or after the actual date of delivery, whether via caesarian section or natural delivery, in an uninterrupted manner.

Maternity leave should also be granted to female workers in every instance of pregnancy, miscarriage or abortion regardless of its frequency, stated the bill.

Principal authors of the measure include, among others, Gabriela Reps. Emmi de Jesus and Arlene Brosas, ACT Teachers Reps. Antonio Tinio and France Castro and Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat.

Gabriela, in a statement on Tuesday, said it will introduce an additional provision on the measure seeking penalties for employers who will use the pregnancy of the worker to deny promotion or to effect suspension or dismissal.

Gabriela believes that the measure will likewise “provide for more time for breastfeeding and maximizes the health benefits for both mothers and babies.”