By Ellson Quismorio
Every parent is a "winner" with the impending enactment of the proposed 100-Day Maternity Leave Law, Surigao del Norte 2nd district Rep. Robert Ace Barbers said on Wednesday.
"Let me congratulate the members of the Bicameral Conference Committee for championing the cause of all Filipino families. Tayong lahat po ang panalo dito (We are all winners here),” said Barbers, an advocate of women and family rights.
Rep. Robert Ace Barbers
(YouTube / MANILA BULLETIN) Earlier this week, the Bicameral Conference Committee successfully reconciled the House of Representatives and Senate versions of the measure, paving the way for its signing by President Rodrigo Duterte. The reconciled or consolidated measure resulting from House Bill (HB) 4113 and Senate Bill (SB) 1305 actually allows for a total of 105 days of maternity leave. Seven days out of the 105-day maternity leave could be allocated for paternal leave, while an additional 15 days of paid leave may be availed by solo mothers. Current laws only provide a maximum of 60 days maternity leave for working mothers and seven days paternity leave for working fathers. “This bill is a vital piece of legislation as it will provide working mothers with ample time to recover from giving birth and care for their newborns. I am also glad that we have finally recognized the importance of involving fathers in nurturing activities early in their children’s lives,” Barbers commented. He also said that having paid maternity leave will strengthen the economy as it could increase the number of women in the workforce and could help low and average income families earn stable salaries. “The Constitution is explicit in saying that the State shall protect working women by providing safe and healthful working conditions, considering their maternal functions," said the Barbers, chairman of House Dangerous Drugs Committee. "Again, this bill will surely benefit not only the women but the entire nation as well, as it can make a huge difference in the economic well-being of Filipino families," he added. Barbers expects the immediate signing of the bill once it reaches President Duterte’s desk.
Rep. Robert Ace Barbers(YouTube / MANILA BULLETIN) Earlier this week, the Bicameral Conference Committee successfully reconciled the House of Representatives and Senate versions of the measure, paving the way for its signing by President Rodrigo Duterte. The reconciled or consolidated measure resulting from House Bill (HB) 4113 and Senate Bill (SB) 1305 actually allows for a total of 105 days of maternity leave. Seven days out of the 105-day maternity leave could be allocated for paternal leave, while an additional 15 days of paid leave may be availed by solo mothers. Current laws only provide a maximum of 60 days maternity leave for working mothers and seven days paternity leave for working fathers. “This bill is a vital piece of legislation as it will provide working mothers with ample time to recover from giving birth and care for their newborns. I am also glad that we have finally recognized the importance of involving fathers in nurturing activities early in their children’s lives,” Barbers commented. He also said that having paid maternity leave will strengthen the economy as it could increase the number of women in the workforce and could help low and average income families earn stable salaries. “The Constitution is explicit in saying that the State shall protect working women by providing safe and healthful working conditions, considering their maternal functions," said the Barbers, chairman of House Dangerous Drugs Committee. "Again, this bill will surely benefit not only the women but the entire nation as well, as it can make a huge difference in the economic well-being of Filipino families," he added. Barbers expects the immediate signing of the bill once it reaches President Duterte’s desk.