Senate President Vicente Sotto III has filed a measure seeking to provide pregnant women with a 20% discount on medical services, medicines, and supplements related to pregnancy.
Under Senate Bill No. 1443, titled “An Act Institutionalizing the Special Privileges to All Women During the Period of Pregnancy,” the proposed benefit would apply from conception until childbirth and up to 60 days after delivery.
Sotto said the measure aims to ease the financial burden of pregnancy while ensuring stronger protection for mothers and their unborn children.
The bill also introduces a special medical leave benefit, allowing expectant mothers to avail of a 10-day paid leave if medically necessary and certified by a licensed obstetrician-gynecologist.
Implementation and monitoring would involve several agencies: the Department of Health and Philippine Commission on Women for hospitals and healthcare providers, the Department of Trade and Industry for pharmacies, and the Professional Regulation Commission for medical professionals.
Sotto noted that while pregnant Filipinas can access benefits through PhilHealth, coverage remains limited.
“While there may be mechanisms available to pregnant Filipinas through the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), the limited amount of benefits and their applicability to the medical demands of pregnancy serve as reasons why some Filipinas choose not to have children,” he said.
The bill seeks to reinforce the government’s commitment to protecting women’s health and supporting mothers and children throughout pregnancy.