“From about two months to about three and a half months. This is an almost double increase in the paid maternity leaves for working mothers in the Philippines.”
This was the assurance made by Quezon City 2nd District Rep. Winnie Castelo, who welcomed the signing of R.A. 11210 or the Expanded Maternity Leave Law.
Under this new landmark legislation, all working mothers in the public and private sectors are granted 105 days of paid maternity leave. An additional 15 days of paid leave will be granted to single mothers, or a total of 120 days.
Under the old measure, employed women are entitled to only 60 days of paid leave for normal delivery and 78 days for a caesarean delivery.
This new law also gives mothers the option to extend their leave for another 30 days without pay, provided that the employer is given due notice in writing at least 45 days before the end of the maternity leave.
“This is a good investment not just for mothers but also for their babies and likewise for their entire family.”
Maternity benefits shall also be granted to female workers in the informal economy, provided that they have remitted to the Social Security System (SSS) at least three monthly contributions in the 12-month period immediately preceding the semester of her childbirth, miscarriage, or emergency termination of pregnancy.
“Very clearly, this Expanded Maternity Leave Law is a victory for working women,” declared Castelo, who is running for Quezon Cory councilor in the 2019 midterm polls. Castelo served as Quezon City councilor for four terms or from 1995-2001 and from 2004-2010.
“However, these additional benefits given to working mothers must not be used to discriminate against the recruitment and hiring of female employees.”
“This is a good investment not just for mothers but also for their babies and likewise for their entire family,” added Castelo.
“However, these additional benefits given to working mothers must not be used to discriminate against the recruitment and hiring of female employees. Instead, the government as well as the private sector must realize and fully embrace this reality: a happy worker is a productive worker, and productivity is the key to the success of any activity” concluded Castelo.
