Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _______ 
INTRODUCED BY REP. PM VARGAS 
AN ACT 
AMENDING SECTION 2 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8187 OTHERWISE KNOWN 
AS THE PATERNITY LEAVE ACT OF 1996, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
In the thrust of developing a strong and proud nation, the State must 
reinforce the values and spirit of the most basic unit of the Filipino society; the 
family. 
Acknowledging the vital role of the husband in providing care for his wife 
before, during, and after the birth of their Child, the Republic Act No. 8187 or 
the Paternity Leave Act of 1996 was enacted. However, the law is still inadequate 
in addressing the necessities of the Filipino Family. 
Studies show that fathers who take paternity leave are more likely to take 
on active roles in child-care tasks, therefore establishing strong relationships 
with their children and active involvement in their lives.  Furthermore, sufficient 
early-child interaction has long term benefits for the child’s cognitive 
development. 
Companies also benefit in providing their employees with a paternity leave 
policy as such policies help companies in attracting the best and the brightest 
people to their human resource. 
It is the hope of this measure to mainstream co-parenting and provide 
adequate benefits to fathers of every Filipino family. 
July 11, 2022
8:00 am
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This bill seeks to provide paternity leave to all married employees, 
regardless of the nature of their employment, and lengthen the leave period to 
15 days.  The bill also gives father-employees an option to extend his leave for 
15 days more without pay. Additionally, the paternity leave shall not be deducted 
from the employee’s annual leave credits. 
 
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly 
sought. 
 
 
 
 
REP. PM VARGAS   
 
Fifth District, Quezon City 
 


Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _______ 
INTRODUCED BY REP. PM VARGAS 
AN ACT 
AMENDING SECTION 2 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8187 OTHERWISE KNOWN AS 
THE PATERNITY LEAVE ACT OF 1996, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines 
in Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Amendatory Provision. – Section 2 of Republic Act No. 8187, 
otherwise known as the “Paternity Leave Act of 1996”, is hereby amended to read 
as follows: 
SECTION 2. Not with standing any law, rules and 
regulations to the contrary, every married male employees in 
the private and public sector REGARDLESS OF THE NATURE 
OF EMPLOYMENT, WHETHER REGULAR, PERMANENT, 
CONTRACTUAL, TEMPORARY OR CASUAL shall be entitled 
to a paternity leave of {seven (7)} days FIFTEEN (15) days with 
full pay for the first four (4) deliveries of the legitimate spouse 
with whom he is cohabiting AND SAID LEAVE SHALL NOT BE 
DEDUCTED FROM HIS ANNUAL LEAVE CREDITS. HE 
SHALL ALSO HAVE THE OPTION TO EXTEND HIS 
PATERNITY LEAVE UP TO THIRTY (30) DAYS OF WHICH 
THE LAST FIFTEEN (15) DAYS ARE UNPAID AND WILL 
LIKEWISE NOT BE DEDUCTED FORM HIS ANNUAL LEAVE 
CREDITS. The male employee applying for paternity leave shall 
notify his employer of the pregnancy of his legitimate spouse 
and the expected date of delivery. 
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SECTION 2. Implementation. The Department of Labor and Employment, in 
consultation with all relevant government agencies, shall issue implementing 
rules and regulations within ninety (90) days from effectivity hereof, and such 
other rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purpose of this 
Act. 
SECTION 3. Separability Clause. If any portion or provision of this Act is 
declared void and unconstitutional the remaining portions or provisions hereof 
shall not be affected by such declaration. 
SECTION 4. Repealing Clause. All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations, 
other issuances, or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are 
hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
SECTION 5. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general 
circulation. 
Approved,