Tingog first nominee and Leyte Rep. Yedda Marie Kittilstvedt-Romualdez on Monday welcomed the full implementation of the 105-day Expanded Maternity Leave Act and reiterated her call that the law should not be used as an excuse to discriminate women in workplaces.
Romualdez, one of the measure’s authors, lauded the government for recently signing Republic Act 11210 measure’s implementing rules.
“We congratulate again President Rodrigo Duterte and his officials for championing the women’s welfare and rights. Now that the IRR has been signed, we should focus now on its full implementation,” said Romualdez, the chairperson of the House committee on accounts.
At the same time, Romualdez appealed anew to employers to implement the law to the fullest by not discriminating women.
“I am appealing once again for us to remain steadfast in fighting discrimination against women, especially our Constitution recognizes the role of women in nation-building and promotes equality for them,” said Romualdez.
RA 11210 grants the 105-day paid maternity leave for expectant working mothers in public and private sectors with an option to extend an additional 30 days without pay.
“This will provide better benefits to ordinary working women. It’s really difficult to recover, especially if the delivery is through caesarian, I can relate to this experience,” said Romualdez, a mother of four, adding that the law would help alleviate the issue of mothers leaving their babies for work.
The previous law provides 60 days paid maternity leave for normal childbirth and 78 days for caesarian delivery.