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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE 0F REPRESHNTATIVES
Quezon City
1 9th Congress
First Regular Session
Ho;s`erBf||No4956
INTRODUCED BY: HON. DORIS E. MANIQUIZ
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The benefit of parental leaves (matemity or paternity) in our labor laws has been considered to
be among the best labor legislations we have enacted in Congress.  It is beyond dispute how
important leave benefits can be with respect to mothers and/or fathers who need to balance
their duties as parents and as employees.
At present, Republic Act No. 8187, or the "Paternity Leave Act of 1996" provides that married
male employees, both in the private and public sectors are entitled to a paternity leave from
work for only seven (7) days with full pay.  Further, the law limits the benefits of paternity
leave to only the first four (4) deliveries of the legitimate spouse with whom the married male
employee  is  cohabiting.  It must be  recognized that there  are  no  sufficient bases  for these
limitations and are, in fact, prohibitive and oppressive.
This bill emphasizes the important role of men as husband and father. He must take care, not
only of the birth of his children but, of his wife during post-delivery condition.  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.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
HON. DORIS E. MANIQUIZ
2nd District of Zambales


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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE 0F REPRESHNTATIVES
Quezon City
1 9th Congress
First Regular Session
Ho'ris~dBfliNo.4956
INTRODUCED BY: HON. DORIS E. MANIQUIZ
AN ACT ARENDING SECTION 2 0F REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8187, OTRERWISE
KNOWN AS TTIE "PATERNITY LEAVE ACT OF 1996"
Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  Of Iiepresentatives  Of the  Philippines  in Congress
assembled:
SECTION 1.  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. Notwithstanding any law, rules, and regulations to the contrary, every
male employee in the private and public sectors shall be entitled to a paternity
leave  of thirty  (30)  days  with  full  pay  for all  deliveries  of the  legitimate  or
common law wife with whom he is cohabiting. The male employee applying for
paternity leave shall notify his employer of the pregnancy of his  legitimate or
common law wife and the expected date of such delivery.
For purposes of this Act, delivery shall include childbirth or any miscarriages."
SECTION   5.  S€p¢rabi./I.fy   CJ¢use   -   If  any  part  or  section   of  this  Act  is  declared
unconstitutional for any reason whatsoever, such declaration shall not in any way affect the
other parts or sections of this Act.
SECTION  6.  Repc¢/..itg  CJ¢use  -  All  other  laws  or  parts  of laws  inconsistent  with the
provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
SECTION 6. EJ7rectJ.vi.ty.  -This Act take effect from fifteen (15) days after approval  and
publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation in the Philippines.
Approved,