Duterte signs expanded maternity leave into law

President Rodrigo Duterte has enacted the bill extending paid maternity leave for women in the government and private sector to 105 days.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said on Thursday the President signed the law on Wednesday. Duterte’s former top aide Christopher “Bong” Go also confirmed that Duterte has signed the bill.

The law grants additional maternity leave benefits to all female workers regardless of her civil status or legitimacy of her child.

From 60 days, working women will now have 105 days of maternity leave with full pay and the option to extend for another 30 days without pay.

Solo mothers will get 15 days of additional leave.

Senator Risa Hontiveros, a proponent of the measure, noted this development is a “massive victory” for women and their families.

“The signing into law of the Expanded Maternity Leave Act is a moment mothers, families, and children will not only remember, but a victory generations of Filipinos will reap the benefits of for the rest of their lives,” she said.

“The law squarely addresses our lack of maternity leave days, and puts us on a par with international standards. It also supports the best available evidence and practice which are consistent with improving maternity leave policy,” Hontiveros added.

“Now, mothers will have more time to rest from pregnancy. Children will be better fed. Fathers and caregivers can bond and create more lasting memories with their loved ones, as families everywhere receive the greatest gift of all time,” the senator also said.

Earlier this month, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III noted the measure as “priority legislation” of the Department of Labor and Employment.

The proposed measure was reviewed by concerned government agencies, including the tripartite council. —VDS, GMA News