Passage of 105-Day EML Law a big leap for Filipino mothers and children

The Philippine Legislator’s Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD) lauds the enactment of the Expanded Maternity Leave Law (RA 11210), which was signed on February 20. On Labor Day, May 1st, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) , in coordination with the agencies of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) and the Social Security System (SSS), spearheaded the ratification of the Implementing Rules and Regulation (IRR) in San Fernando, Pampanga. The signing of the IRR signals the full implementation of the law.

“Beyond the added number of days, the law is a big leap for Filipino women’s health and nutrition of children. Healthier, well-rested mothers also means healthier babies,” said Romeo Dongeto, Executive Director of PLCPD.

The Expanded Maternity Leave Law or Republic Act 11210 grants 105 days of maternity leave for working mothers and an added 15 days for solo parents. Prior to the law, the Philippines had the lowest number of days of leave for working women in Southeast Asia at 60 days, falling short of the international standard, which is at least 98 days, as prescribed by the World Health Organization and the International Labor Organization.

The Philippines’ Expanded Maternity Leave Law also allocates seven days of transferable leave for fathers or other available relatives until the third degree of consanguinity.