Child rights group lauds passage of extended maternity leave law

The Child Rights Network (CRN) hailed on Monday the passage of the extended maternity leave bill into law, saying that this will address the call for mothers to be given with more time to rest after giving birth.

"We laud Congress and the government for passing a law that is based on scientific evidence and expert opinion. 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," CRN said in a press release.

"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 group added.

President Rodrigo Duterte inked the law which grants additional maternity leave benefits to all female workers regardless of their civil status or legitimacy of their child.

From 60 days, working women will now have 105 days of maternity leave with full pay and the option to extend for another 30 days without pay. Solo mothers will get 15 days of additional leave.

The group, meanwhile, expressed hope that the government would also pass legislation that considers factual evidence, not myopic, and puts the best interests of children and the Filipino public at front and center.

It also urged legislators to consider passing a law that will provide equal opportunity in parenting.

"One such proposal is to also extend and expand the current paternity leave days. We also enjoin the government to build more enduring parent support mechanisms that can help parents on the road to child-rearing, and in turn ensure that Filipino children will grow up in a safe, caring, and protective environment," the CRN said. —Anna Felicia Bajo/ LDF, GMA News