Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

5554

HOUSE BILL NO.___

Introduced by HONORABLE EDCEL “GREX” B. LAGMAN

EXPLANATORY NOTE

When a mother gives birth to her child, she is doubly faced with the arduous
challenge to nurture her newborn while she recuperates from post delivery. The first
month after childbirth is almost an impossible time for both mother and child, It is at
this stage that every mother is at risk of postpartum depression due to her hormones
going haywire during the very crucial time of providing 24/7 care to a still fragile baby.

The physical presence of the husband during the first month is paramount in the
swift recovery of her wife and is medically proven to reduce her postpartum
depression, Every husband’s support and care for his wife will make baby nurturing for
both parents more manageable.

Moreover, a father’s care is as important to every newborn as the mother's
nurturing, During the first weeks of a baby's life, the family bond is formed and
intensified daily as the baby recognizes her primary caregivers. A father also feels a
great desire to hold his little one as much as his wish to provide financially for his
family’s needs

‘The Constitution, Article Il, Section 12 states:

. 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, The 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.”

Consistent with the above provision in the Constitution, Republic Act No. 8187
otherwise known as the "Paternity Leave Act of 1996" was promulgated to grant a paid
seven-day paternity leave to all married male employees in the private and public
sectors

As such, this bill seeks to amend Section 2 of R.A. No. 8187 to extend the allowed
paid leave benefits of all married male employees from seven (7) days to fifteen (15)
days and to grant the additional fifteen (15) days of unpaid leave in order to lengthen
the time spent of every man with his wife and newborn after delivery.

In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is highly and earnestly
recommended,

EDC&L“GREX” B. LAGMAN


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

5554

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by HONORABLE EDCEL “GREX” B. LAGMAN

AN ACT
AMENDING SECTION 2 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8187,
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE “PATERNITY LEAVE ACT OF 1996"

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives 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 married male employee in the private and public sectors shall be
entitled to a paternity leave of 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 be not be deducted from 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 such delivery,

For purposes of this Act, delivery shall include childbirth or any miscarriage."
SECTION 2. Separability Clause ~ If for any reason any section or provision of this Act is
declared unconstitutional, other provisions of this Act is declared unconstitutional,
other provisions hereof which are not effected thereby shall continue to be in full force
and effect.

SECTION 3. Repealing Clause ~ Any laws, decrees, or rules and regulations which are
inconsistent with or contrary to the provisions of this Act are hereby amended or

repealed.

SECTION 4. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its
publication in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,