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Republic of the Philippines [o}
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES {|= DATE February 6, 2023
Quezon City * TE 11:24am
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NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session Sy g
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HOUSE BILL NO. _7067_

Introduced by Representative Joseph Gilbert F. Violago

EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘The 1987 Constitution provides that the State affirms labor as a primary social
economic force. It shall protect the rights of workers and promote their welfare. (Art.
II, Sec. 18) Likewise, the State recognizes the Filipino family as the foundation of the
nation. Accordingly, it shall strengthen its solidarity and actively promote its total
development. (Art. XV, Sec. 1)

A loss of a loved one can never be described in words. The inconsolable grief
that a person feels affects his or her physical, mental, emotional, and psychological
well-being. Needless to say, financial hardships also hound the families who lost their
loved ones.

While this proposed measure institutionalizes a five-day bereavement leave
benefit system that provides for full pay, the present proponent admits to the fact that
ten days will never be enough to grapple with this unfortunate situation. For this reason,
this bill seeks to give the families the opportunity to grieve together and sort out their
immediate concerns. The provisions of this bill apply to both private and public sector
employees. Penalties in case of any violation thereof and the non-diminution of benefits
are also provided.

This commendable bill had been first filed in the 17 Congress by Rep. Mylene
Garcia-Albano, and similar versions had been filed in the previous Congress. The
present proponent is acknowledging the wisdom and hard work of his predecessors.

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

JOSEPH A BERT F. VIOLAGO

E- Filed”

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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 7067

Introduced by Representative Joseph Gilbert F. Violago

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

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the “Bereavement Leave Act”.

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is the policy of the State to strengthen the
Filipino family as the foundation of the nation and promote its solidarity and total
development. Towards this end, the State recognizes that the death of an immediately
member does not only pose financial hardships, but also cause immeasurable grief,
emotional, and psychological burden to anyone. A bereavement leave benefit system is
hereby institutionalized to support all employees in the private and public sector who
have recently lost relatives belonging to their immediate family.

SECTION 3. Bereavement Leave. — There shall be granted under this Act a
Bereavement Leave of ten (10) working days with full compensation to any employee
of the private and public sectors in the event of death of an immediate family member.

For the purposes of this Act, an immediate member of an employee's family refers to
the spouse, a parent, a child, or a sibling.

SECTION 4. 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.

SECTION 5. Penaities. — Any violation of Section 3 of this Act or the rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder shall be penalized by a fine not exceeding Twenty


‘Thousand Pesos (Php20,000.00) or by imprisonment of not less than fifteen (15) days
nor more than one (1) month, or both, at the discretion of the court.

If the violation be 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.

SECTION 6. Non-Diminution of Benefits. — Nothing in this Act shall be construed as
a diminution of any existing benefits granted under existing laws, decrees, orders or any
contract agreement or policy between employers and employees.

SECTION 7. Separability Clause. — If any provision or part of this Act is declared
unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining parts or provisions not affected shall remain
in fall force and effect.

SECTION 8. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and
regulations, issuances or parts thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or
amended accordingly.

SECTION 9. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,