Child Rights Network, the largest alliance of child rights groups in the country, welcomed the passage of the Expanded Maternity Leave Law, which extends the paid maternity leave for women in the government and private sector from the previous 60 days to 105 days, with an option to extend for another 30 days without pay.
“This landmark legislation provides a win-win situation for the mother, the family, and most especially, the child, whose first 1000 days are crucial for growth and development. Mothers will have more time to recuperate from pregnancy, and newborn children will not be deprived of motherly care and attention too early into their lives,” the network said in a statement.
The CRN explained that the law not only puts the paid maternity leave days in the Philippines at par with international standards, but also addresses the resounding call for mothers to be provided more time to rest after childbirth and be with their newborn at this critical period.
“We laud Congress and the government for passing a law that is based on scientific evidence and expert opinion. We hope that Congress and the administration continue on this path, and in the near future pass legislation that considers factual evidence, not myopic, and puts the best interests of children and the Filipino public at front and center,” CRN’s statement reads in part. (crn)
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