SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC ) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
Second Regular Session 
) 
"14 
nEG 17 P5:03 
SENATE 
S. B . NO. 2..521 
Introduced by Senator Maria Lourdes Nancy S. Binay 
AN ACT GRANTING PATERNITY LEAVE BENEFITS TO MEMBERS OF THE 
ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Republic Act No. 8187, otherwise known as Paternity Leave Act of 1996 grants male 
employees in public and private sectors paternity leave benefits. 
However, the same 
paternity leave benefit has not been granted to members of the Armed Forces of the 
Philippines. 
This bill seeks to rationalize our social legislation by providing statutory paternity leave 
benefits to male members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The proposal is likewise 
consistent with the provisions of the 1987 Philippine Constitution which recognizes the 
sanctity offamily life, and the duty of the state to strengthen the family, to wit: 
"Article II 
Declaration of Principles and State Policies 
XXX 
Section 12. The State recognizes the sanctity of family life and shall protect 
and strengthen the family as a basic autonomous social institution. It shall 
equally protect the life of the mother and the life of the unborn from 
conception. Thc natural and primary right and duty of parents in the rearing of 
the youth for civic efficiency and the development of moral character shall 
receive the support of the Government. 
xxx 
Article XV 
Family 
Section 1. The State recognizes the Filipino family as the foundation of the 
nation. Accordingly, it shall strengthen its solidarity and actively promote its 
total development. 


x x X." 
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly recommended. 
Senator 


SIXTlmNTH CONGRESS OJ;' THE REPUBLIC ) 
OJ? TI-m PHILIPPINES 
) 
Second Regula.' Session 
) 
SENATE;.,. 
S.B.NO,_~521 
Introduced by Senutor Maria Lourdes Nancy S. Binay 
'14 
GEe 17 P5 :03 
1 
AN ACT GRANTING PATERNITY LEAVE BENEFITS TO MALE MEMBERS OF THE 
2 
ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES 
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4 
Be it enacted by the Senate and I-louse of Represenlatives of Ihe Philippines in Congress 
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assembled: 
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SECTION I. Notwithstanding any law, rules and regulations to the contrary, every married 
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male member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in active service shall be entitled to a 
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paternity leave of fifteen (15) days with full pay for the first lour (4) deliveries of the 
'10 
legitimate spouse with whom he is cohabiting; provided that, in times of national emergency, 
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the paternity leave benefit may be reduced to such number which shall not be less than seven 
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(7) days. The male member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines applying lor paternity 
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leave shall notify the 0111ce of the Chief of Staff of the pregnancy of his legitimate spousc 
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and the expected date of such delivery. 
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SECTION 2. Paternity Leave Benefits. The paternity leave refers to the benefits granted to 
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married male members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines allowing him not to report Cor 
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work or service, but continue to earn the compensation therelor, on the condition that his 
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spouse has delivered a child or suffered a miscarriage. For purposes of this Act, Delivery 
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shall include childbirth or any miscarriage. 
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SECTION 3. Nondil11inution Clause. Nothing in this Act shall be construed to reduce any 
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existing benefits of any lorm granted under existing laws, decrees, executive orders or any 
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policy between employer and employee. 
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SECTION 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. The Armed Forces of the Philippines, the 
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Department oCNational Defense, and the Department of Health shall, within ninety (90) days 
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from the effectivity of this Act, issue such rules and regulations necessary for the proper 
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implementation ofthe provisions hereof. 
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SECTION 5. Repealing Clause. All laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, issuances, or parts 
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thereof which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or l110diJied accordingly. 
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SECTION 6. EjJixlivity. This Act shall take effect (15) days ii-om its publication in the 
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Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general. 
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Approved,