Increase in maternity leave pushed

MANILA, Philippines - Majority of the senators are working for the approval of a measure that will increase the maternity leave from 60 days to 100 days.

Senate Bill 2882 also known as Expanded Maternity Leave Law of 2015 will be ready for plenary debates once the 16th Congress resumes on Nov. 3.

It provides that the maternity leave for female employees in government, regardless of employment status, can be as long as 100 days, with full pay based on her average weekly or regular wages, regardless if the delivery was normal or caesarian.

An additional maternity leave of 30 days, without pay, can be availed at the option of the employee, provided that the head of agency is given due notice in writing at least 45 days before the end of her ordinary maternity leave.

For the private sector, any pregnant employee should be granted a maternity leave of 100 days.

It also proposes the amendment of Section 14-A of RA 1161 (Social Security Act of 1997), which would require that a female member who has paid at least three monthly contributions in the 12-month period immediately preceding the semester of her childbirth or miscarriage should be paid her daily maternity benefit. 

At the option of the employee, she can also apply for an additional maternity leave of 30 days.

It also provided that the act will not diminish existing maternity benefits currently granted by employers with or without the collective bargaining agreements (CBA) or under present laws, if more beneficial to the female employee.