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Republic of the Philippines.
House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro Manila

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 4759

Introduced by HONORABLE ERNESTO “ERNIX” M. DIONISIO, JR.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The 1987 Constitution declares that “the State shall protect working women by
providing safe and healthful working conditions, taking into account their maternal
functions, and such facilities and opportunities that will enhance their welfare and
enable them to realize their full potential in the service of the nation.” To this end,
measures must be enacted to support the role of women in nation-building and to
recognize their invaluable contribution to our society.

In invoking this provision, this bill seeks to assist women in informal economies,
most particularly expectant mothers, as they earn their livelihood. The term informal
workers include street vendors, petty goods and service traders, subsistence farmers,
seasonal workers, domestic workers, and industrial outworkers.' In the Philippines,
this may include “small transport operators, temporary construction workers, small-
scale miners and quarry workers, artisanal fisherfolk, tour guides, “on-call
entertainment workers, hairdressers, waste pickers, recyclers, barangay health
workers, domestic cleaners, food delivery drivers, and other gig workers.? The
International Labor Organization (ILO) defines them as “independent, self-employed,
‘small-scale producers and distributors of goods and services.”

In the Philippines, there is an estimated 6.6 million Filipino women working in
the informal sector. With the definitions given above and with the clear nature of their
work, it is clear that they do not have the social benefits attached with employment.

* Women In informal economy. hitps:/Ammw.unwomen.org/eninews/in-focusicsw6 1/women-in-
informal-economy

2 Grey Economy and Sickly Recovery: Informal Women Workers in Pandemic-Ravaged Philippines.
De Guzman Casio, G. (2022), nips flocusweb.orpgrey-economy-anc-setly-reeavery formal
women-workers-in-pandemic-ravaged-pl
Ibid.



This leaves them vulnerable due to the lack of social protection, most specifically in
times of illness, disability, work injury, maternity, unemployment and old age.‘

Given their contribution, it is only proper that social benefits be extended to
them so as not to leave them without the blanket of protection offered by the State.
Focusing on pregnant women, their delicate situation leaves them more vulnerable.

In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is highly sought.

IX” M. DIONISIO, JR.
Assistant Majority Floor Leader
Congressman
First Congressional District of Manila

4 Ibid.


Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro Manila

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 4759

Introduced by HONORABLE ERNESTO “ERNIX” M. DIONISIO, JR.

AN ACT
GRANTING A MATERNITY BENEFIT TO WOMEN WORKERS IN THE
INFORMAL ECONOMY, AMENDING FOR THIS PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO.
11210, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the “Maternity Benefit
for Women in the Informal Economy Act.”

SECTION 2. Maternity Benefit for Women Workers in the Informal
Economy. —Section 11 of Republic Act No. 11210 is hereby amended as follows:

SEC. 11. Maternity Benefits for Female Workers Who Are Non-
Members of the SSS — Female workers who are neither voluntary nor
regular members of the SSS SHALL RECEIVE THROUGH THE
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT
(DSWD), A ONE-TIME MATERNITY CASH BENEFIT PER DELIVERY
EQUIVALENT TO THE PREVAILING MINIMUM WAGE RATE IN HER
REGION OF RESIDENCE MULTIPLIED BY THIRTY (30) DAYS.

SECTION 3. Appropriations. - The amount needed for the initial
implementation of maternity benefits shall be included in the General Appropriations
Act.

SECTION 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days
from the effectivity of this Act, the DOLE Secretary or his/her representative as
Chairperson, the authorized representatives of the DSWD, PCW, SSS, and DOH,
together with NGOs and women's organizations in the informal sector shall jointly
promulgate the rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.


SECTION 5. Separability Clause — Should any of the provision of this Act be
declared unconstitutional, the remaining parts not affected thereby shall remain valid
and operational.

SECTION 6. Repealing Clause. - All laws; decrees, orders, rules, and
regulations or parts thereof which are inconsistent with or contrary to the provisions of
this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.

SECTION 7. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
complete publication in the Official Gazette or in a national newspaper of general
circulation.