Additional benefits for pregnant women pushed

MANILA, Philippines - Congress may no longer be able to pass a measure that seeks to give additional benefits to pregnant Filipino women in private and public service.

Owing to this, a  lawmaker has vowed to re-file a measure in the next Congress addressing the plight of the pregnant Filipino women in private and public service by providing opportunities that will enhance their welfare.

Rep. Catalina Bagasina, (Party-list ALE), said pregnant women employees covered by the Social Security System (SSS) or Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) should be paid a daily maternity benefit equivalent to 150 percent of her present basic salary, allowances and other benefits or its cash equivalent for 84 calendar days.

Under the bill, pregnant women who undergo caesarian operation would get 100 days maternity leave, instead of 60 days maternity leave allowed under the present law.

Bagasina said the SSS and GSIS should immediately reimburse the 100 percent maternity benefits advanced by the employer to their pregnant employees.

The International Labor Organization’s Convention urges member countries to adopt maternity benefits sufficient for the full and healthy maintenance on women and child in accordance with a suitable standard of living, Bagasina added.

Bagasina said the passage of the measure would surely help pregnant women who are employed in various industries in the country.