MANILA, Philippines — Paternity leave benefits in the Philippines could soon undergo one of the biggest reforms in the country’s labor history after Akbayan Party-list Rep. Chel Diokno filed a measure seeking to extend paid leave for fathers from the current seven days to as much as 105 days.
The proposal, known as the Paternity and Parental Leave Act (PAPA Leave Act), aims to recognize the growing role of fathers in raising children and supporting their partners during the crucial first months after childbirth. The bill seeks to give fathers more time at home, strengthen family bonds, and promote shared parenting responsibilities.
If approved by Congress, the measure would significantly transform existing paternity leave benefits, aligning them more closely with the 105-day maternity leave currently granted to mothers under Philippine law.
Paternity Leave Benefits Could Increase From 7 Days to 105 Days
Under current law, married male employees in both the public and private sectors are entitled to only seven days of paid paternity leave for the first four deliveries of their legitimate spouse.
The proposed legislation would dramatically expand these paternity leave benefits by introducing the following provisions:
- 90 continuous days of paid leave for fathers after a live childbirth.
- 60 continuous days of paid leave in cases of miscarriage or emergency termination of pregnancy.
- An additional 15 days of paid parental leave, which can be used either continuously or intermittently within one year after the child’s birth.
If combined, eligible fathers could receive up to 105 days of leave, giving them significantly more time to care for their newborns and support their families.
Why Diokno Wants Expanded Paternity Leave Benefits
According to Diokno, the current seven-day leave period is no longer sufficient to meet the needs of modern Filipino families.
The lawmaker emphasized that fathers play an irreplaceable role in a child’s early development and that parenting responsibilities should not fall solely on mothers.
The proposed measure is anchored on the idea that both parents should have equal opportunities to nurture and care for their children, particularly during the first few months of life, when emotional and physical support is critical.
Diokno also argued that strengthening paternity leave benefits could contribute to healthier family relationships, improved child development, and greater gender equality in the workplace.
Bill Covers More Than Married Fathers
One of the notable features of the proposed legislation is its broader coverage.
The measure does not only apply to married fathers. It also extends benefits to:
- Non-marital fathers;
- Alternative caregivers who play significant roles in raising children;
- Workers in the informal economy;
- Voluntary members of the Social Security System (SSS), subject to contribution requirements.
This expansion recognizes the changing structure of Filipino families and seeks to provide support to various types of caregivers who contribute to child-rearing responsibilities.
Employers to Receive SSS Reimbursement
To address concerns from businesses regarding the cost of extended leave, the proposal includes a reimbursement mechanism through the Social Security System.
Under the bill, employers in the private sector would continue to advance the payment of paternity leave benefits, but the SSS would reimburse them for the full amount.
The measure aims to ensure that workers receive their benefits without placing excessive financial burdens on employers, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises.
Protection Against Discrimination
The proposed law also contains provisions designed to protect employees who choose to avail themselves of expanded leave.
Employers would be prohibited from:
- Dismissing employees for taking paternity leave;
- Demoting workers because they exercised their rights;
- Discriminating against fathers who file for leave under the proposed law.
Violations could result in fines, imprisonment, and, in some cases, the revocation of business permits.
These protections are intended to ensure that employees can enjoy their paternity leave benefits without fear of workplace retaliation.
Shared Parenting and Gender Equality
Advocates of the measure believe the proposal goes beyond merely extending leave privileges.
The bill seeks to promote the idea that raising children is a shared responsibility between mothers and fathers. By allowing fathers to spend more time with their families, lawmakers hope to encourage greater involvement in childcare and household responsibilities.
Experts have long noted that active father participation during a child’s early years can lead to stronger emotional development, better family relationships, and improved outcomes for children.
Supporters of the bill also argue that expanded paternity leave benefits could help advance gender equality by reducing the burden traditionally placed on mothers and allowing women to return to work with greater support at home.
Penalties for Abuse of the Benefit
While the proposal significantly expands leave entitlements, it also includes safeguards against abuse.
The bill states that fathers who fail to provide care and support to their families while on leave may face accountability under existing laws, including provisions related to violence against women and children.
Lawmakers said these provisions are necessary to ensure that the expanded leave is used for its intended purpose—supporting mothers and children during a critical period in family life.
Growing Support for Family-Friendly Policies
The filing of the PAPA Leave Act comes amid increasing calls worldwide for more family-friendly workplace policies.
Many countries have expanded parental leave programs in recent years, recognizing the importance of both parents’ involvement in child development and caregiving responsibilities.
In the Philippines, discussions surrounding improved paternity leave benefits have gained momentum as labor groups, family advocates, and policymakers push for reforms that better reflect the realities of modern parenting.
Supporters of the proposal believe the measure could help create stronger families, improve child welfare, and foster a more inclusive work environment for Filipino workers.
What Happens Next?
The bill will undergo the legislative process in the House of Representatives, where it will be reviewed and deliberated by lawmakers before it can move to the Senate and eventually reach the President for approval.
Although the proposal still faces several stages before becoming law, its filing has already sparked nationwide discussions about the importance of fatherhood, shared parenting, and the future of paternity leave benefits in the Philippines.
If enacted, the measure would mark one of the most significant expansions of parental leave rights in the country and could redefine the role of Filipino fathers in the early stages of family life for generations to come.
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