Who says fathers don't deserve lengthy paid leaves like mothers?

Akbayan Party-list Rep. Chel Diokno takes up the cudgels for dads by filing House Bill (HB) No. 9891, or the aptly named Paternity and Parental Leave Act (PAPA Leave Act).

The measure--if and when enacted--expands leave benefits for fathers from the current, measly seven days to a total of 105 days.

"By investing in shared parenting, this measure advances gender equality, improves child and family wellbeing, and strengthens labor force participation. It affirms that childcare is not solely the responsibility of women, but a shared parental duty that must be actively supported by the State," Diokno said on Friday, June 19, two days before this year's celebration of Father's Day.

The lawyer-legislator said HB No. 9891 was meant to recognize the irreplaceable role of fathers in raising children and strengthening families.

It aims to promote responsible parenthood, strengthen family bonds, and improve child development outcomes by enabling fathers and caregivers to be more present during the critical early stages of a child's life.

Diokno said the proposed measure would increase paid paternity leave from the current seven days to 90 continuous days for live childbirth, and 60 continuous days in cases of miscarriage or emergency termination of pregnancy.

The measure also introduces an additional 15 days of paid parental leave that may be availed of within one year from childbirth, either continuously or on separate occasions, bringing the total leave benefit to 105 days and aligning it with the 105-day maternity leave law championed by Akbayan Party-list and Senator Risa Hontiveros.

The proposed statute also displays foresight by including a provision about deadbeat dads.

Diokno warns that any father who fails to provide such care and support while on paternity or parental leave, is deemed to have committed an act of violence under Section 5 (i) of Republic Act (RA) No. 9262, otherwise known as the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004.

The PAPA Leave Act also broadens eligibility beyond married fathers, extending coverage to non-marital fathers and alternative caregivers who play a significant role in caring for newborns and young children.

To ensure that more Filipino workers benefit from the measure, the bill extends coverage to workers in the informal economy and voluntary members of the Social Security System (SSS), subject to contribution requirements.

Under the proposal, employers in the private sector will continue advancing paternity leave benefits and will be fully reimbursed by the SSS.

At the same time, it strengthens protections for employees by prohibiting dismissal, demotion, or discrimination against workers who avail of leave benefits.

To ensure compliance, the bill imposes penalties on employers and individuals who violate its provisions, including fines, imprisonment, and the revocation of business permits. It also establishes accountability mechanisms to prevent the misuse of leave benefits.

Diokno filed HB No. 9891 together with fellow Akbayan Party-list Representatives Percival Cendaña and Dadah Kiram Ismula, along with Dinagat Islands lone district Rep. Kaka Bag-ao.