Press Release
February 17, 2014

One-day paid leave for pre-natal medical check-up
Nancy files bill strengthening Magna Carta of Women

Senator Nancy Binay believes that the state should provide a monthly, one-day paid leave for pregnant women to receive pre-natal medical check-up and ensure that both mother and child are safe and in good health.

Authored by the lady senator, Senate Bill No. 2085 or "An Act Providing Pre-natal Leave Benefits"--which is intended to strengthen RA 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women--seeks to grant a one-day paid leave every month from the date of filing a notice of pregnancy until delivery, abortion or miscarriage, subject to the following conditions:

  • The employee is currently employed in the private sector or the government, as the case may be, and shall have paid at least three (3) monthly Social Security System ("SSS") or Government Service Insurance System ("GSIS") contributions, as the case may be, in the twelve month period preceding the childbirth, abortion or miscarriage;

  • The employee shall have notified the employer, or the head or chief of the bureau or office of the pregnancy and the probable date of childbirth, as the case may be, which notice shall be transmitted to SSS or GSIS in accordance with the rules and regulations it may provide;

  • The employee shall present a medical certificate to the employer within five (5) days from the pre-natal appointment; and

  • The pre-natal leave benefit shall not be cumulative.

According to the lady senator, the Constitution recognizes the right of women to decent employment opportunities which can provide the necessary support services, including those for their maternal functions.

"In order to ensure that pregnant women receive the care they need, I believe that a monthly one-day paid leave is only appropriate," Binay said.

The proposed legislation's objective is in line with the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), which recognizes the importance of providing the necessary support social services which will enable parents to fulfill their family obligations and work responsibilities; and the United Nation Convention on the Rights of the Child, which highlights the right of a child to life and the State's obligations in ensuring its survival and development.

A mother to four children, Sen. Binay said she fully understands that "women need extra care during pregnancy and the government should recognize its responsibility to ensure that these healthcare needs are covered and protected by its laws."

"Importante na maibigay sa bawat ina ang lahat ng serbisyong mangangalaga sa kanilang kalusugan upang masiguro nila na sapat rin ang pangangalaga na matatanggap kanilang magiging anak," she added.

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