Women in the informal economy sector, those who are not members of the Social Security System (SSS), also deserve maternity benefits. With its declaration, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) gave its full support to the immediate passage into law of Senate Bill No. 148, the Maternity Benefit for Women in the Informal Economy Act, which would ensure the protection of all women regardless of their backgrounds. "SB 148 endeavors to promote not only the welfare of the Filipino women in the informal sector, but also seeks to promote the State's obligation to protect their children," the CHR said in a statement. With the rising prices of goods and commodities, the CHR said that all Filipinos, including pregnant women, are finding it harder to make ends meet for their families. This has pushed many women to the informal sector, which is unfortunately unprotected and unsupported by the government, it said. It said that the informal sector has a large contribution to the economy, which measured up to 12.8 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2019. The informal sector also employed 5.72 million people, but they are not SSS members. "Given that Republic Act No. 11210, also known as the 105-Day Expanded Maternity Leave Law, only includes those who have contributed to the SSS, a notable number of women are unable to avail themselves of the cash aid that comes along with the maternity leave," the CHR explained. It also said: “It is reported that approximately 250,000 Filipino women do not have access to such benefits as members of the informal sector. As we account for the average minimum wage in the country -- which falls below P570 -- amidst sizable costs and fees, the passage of the bill is expedient for the Filipino women in the informal sector and their children.” In her explanatory note to SB 148, Sen. Risa Hontiveros said: “While RA 11210 has been beneficial to working women, a large swathe of the work force, as well as their infants, remains unable to enjoy the provisions and benefits of the Expanded Maternity Leave Law. These are women working in the informal economy who are non-members of the SSS.” Hontiveros stressed that “a maternity benefit for women workers in the informal economy is not just a social justice measure and an important way to address the multiple burdens and increased vulnerabilities of women who are also mothers and informal workers, it also leads to demonstrable and quantifiable health outcomes at the population level.” The CHR cited the Covenant on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) which underscores that the role of women in procreation should not be a basis of discrimination. With SB 148, the CHR said that women in the informal economy, including their children, will get to enjoy the same assistance as those in the formal sector. "This is crucial in ensuring equal access and opportunities for this disadvantaged sector in line with the principles of social justice. Providing the disadvantaged women workforce not only the healthcare services and time but also the economic means to sustain their families from the very onset of pregnancy is also a timely response to pressing issues, such as poverty and malnutrition," the CHR said. To support SB 148, the CHR has offered to open its doors for consultation. Meanwhile, it also anticipated the full support of both chambers of Congress in the passage of the bill.