Press Release
May 2, 2019

Hontiveros: Mothers who delivered on Mar 11 onwards can now avail of Expanded Maternity Leave Law

Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros today said that all working mothers who gave birth on March 11 or after are now entitled to the full benefits of the Expanded Maternity Leave Law.

Hontiveros, who is the principal sponsor and author of the law in the Senate, made the announcement a day after the Executive signed and released the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the said measure.

This was also confirmed by Social Security System (SSS) Benefits Administration Division Vice President Normita Doctor in a media interview.

"I have wonderful news for all working mothers. All those who gave birth on March 11 and after can now avail of the full benefits of the law. I urge my fellow women to coordinate with our labor department, women advocates and labor groups to get all the necessary information and seek assistance in how to access the law's benefits," Hontiveros said.

Hontiveros said that aside from working women, full-time mothers can also avail of the law through voluntary contributions to the Social Security System (SSS).

"This law is not only confined to the offices and factories, but also covers the many homes where women do reproductive labor. By including them, the law clearly recognizes the productive and reproductive work of women," Hontiveros said.

According to the country's legislative process, after the President signs a measure into law, the law takes effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or at least two national newspapers.

President Rodrigo Duterte signed the new maternity leave law last February 20. The law was published in newspapers on February 23.

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