By Erma Edera
With signs, banners and colored pompoms, pregnant workers from formal and informal sectors celebrated the signing of the Expanded Maternity Law (EML) at the Bonifacio Shrine in Manila on Friday.
The women advocates urged the government for the immediate implementation of EML, especially on provisions providing SSS benefits for informal sector workers.
Pregnant women and mothers celebrate the passage of the 105 days of Expanded Maternity Leave (EML) Law at the Bonifacio Shrine in Manila and call for its immediate implementation on March 1, 2019. (ALI VICOY / MANILA BULLETIN)
“Pagdating po sa kalusugan, naniniwala po ako na dapat lahat tayo ay pantay-pantay. Uunlad ang ating bansa kung tayong lahat ay nasa mabuting kalusugan,” Senator Risa Hontiveros said.
“These are just some of the important reforms in the government that we have successfully pushed for, to help our people improve their daily lives. It is a victory for all of us, especially for the Filipino family,” Hontiveros added.
Meanwhile, for opposition congressman Akbayan Party-List Rep. Tom Villarin, the new law protects the rights of women.
“The Expanded Maternity Leave Law protects women and their right to a decent workplace in times of pregnancy. Anyone who deprives women of this right is guilty of discrimination,” he said.
A measure granting additional leave benefits for working mothers in both public and private sectors has been signed into law by President Duterte in Malacañang on Feb. 20.
Republic Act No. 11210 or the “105-day Expanded Maternity Leave Law” was in line with the State’s policy to protect and promote the rights and welfare of working women.
Pregnant women and mothers celebrate the passage of the 105 days of Expanded Maternity Leave (EML) Law at the Bonifacio Shrine in Manila and call for its immediate implementation on March 1, 2019. (ALI VICOY / MANILA BULLETIN)
“Pagdating po sa kalusugan, naniniwala po ako na dapat lahat tayo ay pantay-pantay. Uunlad ang ating bansa kung tayong lahat ay nasa mabuting kalusugan,” Senator Risa Hontiveros said.
“These are just some of the important reforms in the government that we have successfully pushed for, to help our people improve their daily lives. It is a victory for all of us, especially for the Filipino family,” Hontiveros added.
Meanwhile, for opposition congressman Akbayan Party-List Rep. Tom Villarin, the new law protects the rights of women.
“The Expanded Maternity Leave Law protects women and their right to a decent workplace in times of pregnancy. Anyone who deprives women of this right is guilty of discrimination,” he said.
A measure granting additional leave benefits for working mothers in both public and private sectors has been signed into law by President Duterte in Malacañang on Feb. 20.
Republic Act No. 11210 or the “105-day Expanded Maternity Leave Law” was in line with the State’s policy to protect and promote the rights and welfare of working women.