Republic of the Philippines REI

House of Representatives 3 GF Me D,
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS

Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL vo 8119

Introduced By: HON. LORNA C. SILVERIO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The culture of Filipinos has a diverse cultural background. This can be seen through the diversity
of its culture and traditions. A good example of this diversity is seen through the traditions that
surround death and dying.

Considering that Filipinos are known as family centered, it is at this time of loss when Filipino
families stick together. Paying their last respect or honoring a dead loved one, an immediate
family member, is seen as a fitting tribute and manifestation of their love to the beloved
departed.

However, it is lamentable to note that while vacation leaves are granted on top of the other leave

benefits such as paternity, maternity and sick leaves, no leave is granted in the event of death of
an immediate family member.

It is therefore the objective of this bill to grant a bereavement leave of five (5) working days,
with full compensation, to employees in the private and public sectors, subject to reasonable
limitations which will maintain a productive work environment while providing support to a
grieving employee.

It is assumed that the approval of this bill will uplift the morale of the working force which also
benefits employers as it makes their employees feel valued and promotes loyalty to the company
while enhancing their efficiency and productivity.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this measure is earnestly sought.

Anna.

LORNA C. SILVERIO

a.
“ty

mS

7



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

17® Congress
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 6119

Introduced by: HON. LORNA C. SILVERIO

AN ACT GRANTING BEREAVEMENT LEAVE OF FIVE (5) DAYS WITH PAY TO
EMPLOYEES IN THE PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SECTOR IN THE EVENT OF DEATH OF
AN IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBER

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
Assembled:

SEC 1. Title. This Act shall be known as the "Bereavement Leave Act”

SEC 2. Declaration of State Policy. It is the policy of the State to prioritize, strengthen, and to
recognize that the Filipino family is the basic foundation of the society wherein the primordial
duty is to promote solidarity and wholistic development. The State recognizes that the death of
an immediate family member bears a significant and emotional and psychological burden to the
loved ones who were left behind. This gives the family time to mourn together and share in the
emotional and material burden in the interment of the departed.

SEC 3. Bereavement Leave. There shall be granted under this Act a Bereavement Leave of five
(5) working days with full compensation to any employee of both the private and public sectors
in the event of death of an immediate family member. For purposes of this Act, an immediate
member of an employee's family refers to the spouse, a parent, a child, of a sibling.

SEC 4. Non-Diminution of Benefits. Nothing in this Act shall be construed as a diminution of
any existing benefits granted under the existing benefits granted under existing laws, decrees,
orders or any contract, agreement or policy between employee and employers.

SEC 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. The Secretary of Labor and Employment and
the Chairperson of the Civil Service Commission shall, within thirty (30) days from the approval
of this Act, issue such rules and regulations necessary for the proper implementation of the
provisions hereof.


SEC 6. Penalties. Any person, corporation, trust, firm, partnership, association, or entity found
violating this Act or the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder shall be punished by a fine
not exceeding fifty thousand pesos (Php 50,000) or imprisonment of not less than thirty (30) days
to not more than six (6) months.

If the violation is committed by a corporation, partnership, association, firm or similar
entities, the penalty of imprisonment shall be imposed on the officer or officers directly
responsible for the violation.

SEC 7. Separability Clause. If any provision of this Act shall be held unconstitutional or
invalid, the other provisions not otherwise affected shall remain in full force and effect.

SEC 8. Repealing Clause. All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, ordinances, rules and
regulation, and other issuances or part thereof which are inconsistent with this Act, are hereby
repealed or modified accordingly

SEC 9. Effectivity. This Act shall take after fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official
Gazette or in newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,

Kerra J. hacige