THE Expanded Maternity Leave Law may now be fully implemented with the signing of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) on May 1.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Thursday, May 2, that the signing of the IRR for Republic Act 11210, or the Expanded Maternity Leave Law, is a victory for working mothers.
The law extends to 105 days the paid maternity leave of mothers, which was previously set at only 60 days.
"That means for you ladies, it will add more benefits to your present benefits. Imagine, 105 days? That means you will have more time with your family, quality time," the Palace official said in a press conference.
"And that means also, your health will be protected because you will not be forced to work immediately after giving birth. And also the husbands, 'di ba meron pa silang extended, parang magiging 15 days na. So makakabuti sa pamilya 'yun (And the husband's paternity leave will also be extended to 15 days. So that's good for their family)," he added.
Under the law, however, husbands may go on paid paternity leave for a total of 14 days only: seven days provided under the 1996 Paternity Leave Act and seven days that are transferable to a husband from his wife's 105-day paid leave under the Expanded Maternity Leave Law.
President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Expanded Maternity Leave Law on February 20, giving working mothers 105 days of paid maternity leave.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and other stakeholders signed the IRR for the Expanded Maternity Law on Labor Day, May 1.
The signing of the IRR paves the way for the full implementation of RA 11210.
Based on the IRR, working mothers may also opt to file for an additional 15 days of unpaid maternity leave.
Violators of the Expanded Maternity Leave Law will be punished with a fine of up to P200,000 and imprisonment of up to 12 years, the DOLE said. (Ruth Abbey Gita/SunStar Philippines)