Diokno bill seeks 90-day paternity leave to support child development

House Assistant Minority Leader Chel Diokno of the Akbayan party-list has proposed increasing paternity leave from seven days to 90 days following a live childbirth, emphasizing that raising a child is a shared responsibility between both parents.

Diokno filed House Bill 9891 or the Paternity and Parental Leave Act (PAPA Leave Act), which will enable fathers and caregivers to be more present during the critical early stages of a child's life, leading to responsible parenthood, stronger family bonds, and improved child development outcomes.

The same bill also provides a 60-day continuous paternity leave to fathers in cases of miscarriage or emergency termination of pregnancy.

Likewise, an additional 15 days of paid parental leave may be availed of within one year from childbirth, either continuously or on separate occasions, bringing the total leave benefit to 105 days.

"By investing in shared parenting, this measure advances gender equality, improves child and family wellbeing, and strengthens labor force participation. It affirms that childcare is not solely the responsibility of women, but a shared parental duty that must be actively supported by the State," Diokno said.

The bill covers married fathers, as well as non-marital fathers and alternative caregivers who play a significant role in caring for newborns and young children.

In addition, the measure also covers workers in the informal economy and voluntary members of the Social Security System (SSS), subject to contribution requirements.

Under the proposal, employers in the private sector will continue advancing paternity leave benefits and will be fully reimbursed by the SSS.

At the same time, it strengthens protections for employees by prohibiting dismissal, demotion, or discrimination against workers who avail of leave benefits.

The bill imposes penalties on employers and individuals who violate its provisions, including fines, imprisonment, and the revocation of business permits. It also establishes accountability mechanisms to prevent the misuse of leave benefits.

Diokno, however, warned that any father who fails to provide such care and support while on paternity or parental leave will be held liable for violence under Section 5 (i) of Republic Act No. 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004.

Other authors of the bill are Akbayan Party-list Reps. Percival Cendaña and Dadah Kiram Ismula, as well as Dinagat Islands Rep. Kaka Bag-ao. —LDF, GMA News