A lawmaker is seeking to amend the “Paternity Leave Act of 1996” to extend the allowed paid leave benefits of all married male employees from seven days to 15 days, and grant them additional 15 days of unpaid leave to lengthen the time spent of every man with his wife and newborn after delivery.
Rep. Edcel B. Lagman (1st District, Albay) raised the proposal, saying the physical presence of the husband during the first month after childbirth is paramount in the swift recovery of her wife, and is medically proven to reduce her postpartum depression.
“Every husband’s support and care for his wife will make baby nurturing for both parents manageable,” said Lagman, a House Assistant Majority Leader.
Moreover, he said a father’s care is as important to every newborn as the mother’s nurturing.
“During the first weeks of a baby’s life, the family bond is formed and intensified daily as the baby recognizes his primary caregivers. A father also feels a great desire to hold his little one as much as his wish to provide financially for his family’s needs,” said Lagman.
Lagman said Republic Act 8187, otherwise known as the “Paternity Leave Act of 1996” was promulgated in line with Article II, Section 12 of the Constitution which provides that “The State recognizes the sanctity of family life and shall protect and strengthen the family as a basic autonomous social institution. It shall equally protect the life of the mother and the life of the unborn from conception. The natural and primary right and duty of parents in the rearing of the youth for civic efficiency and the development of moral character shall receive the support of the Government.”
Manila Bulletin
