Rep. Edcel C. Lagman of the First District of Albay made substantial contributions to the expanded maternity leave bill which was approved on October 1, 2018 by the Bicameral Conference Committee of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
The following proposals of Rep. Lagman were approved:
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Increasing from 60 days to 105 days paid maternity leave of female workers both in the public and private sectors, irrespective of whether the delivery is normal or by caesarian section.
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The maternity leave benefits are exempt from income tax.
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In the event of the supervening death or permanent incapacity of the female worker beneficiary, any unused balance of her maternity leave will accrue in favor of her child’s father or qualified caregiver.
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No employer in the public or private sector shall discriminate against the employment of women in order to avoid granting maternity leave benefits.
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The emergency termination of a pregnancy shall also entitle the female worker paid maternity leave of 60 days, just like in the case of miscarriage.
The 105 days paid maternity leave is seven days over the international threshold or minimum of 98 days.
Qualified solo parents are entitled to 15 days additional paid leave. EDCEL C. LAGMAN