IRR for expanded maternity leave inked on Labor Day

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and stakeholders signed the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 11210 or the Expanded Maternity Leave law on Labor Day.

According to a report by Chino Gaston in GMA News TV's State of the Nation with Jessica Soho, the IRR shall take effect 15 days after publication in newspapers of general circulation.

The new law, signed by President Rodrigo Duterte in February, the number of days of paid maternity leave is increased to 105 days from 60 days for normal delivery and 78 days for caesarian section.

Single mothers will be entitled to an additional 15 days of paid leave.

Those who had miscarriages or emergency termination of pregnancy, on the other hand, will be given a 60-day maternity leave.

A 30-day extension of maternity leave without pay is also optional.

Further, mothers may transfer seven days of their leave to that of their partners, regardless of their marital status. This is in addition to the fathers' seven-day leave under the Paternity Leave Act of 1996.

Women from private and public sectors, including informal sector workers, are covered by the Expanded Maternity Leave Law.

The SSS contributors and women national athletes will also benefit from this legislation.

"Nasisiguro natin na with this expanded maternity leave, maeensure natin ang health of our workers," Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said.

He also dismissed concerns that the law may possibly trigger employment discrimination against women.

"Ang mga employer, when they hired workers, they're hired on the basis of their competence and integrity, hindi 'yung sa buntis o sa tanda," he said.

Employers who will violate the law may face fines of up to P200,000 or imprisonment of up to six years. — Dona Magsino/BAP, GMA News