Akbayan Party-list Representative Chel Diokno has filed a new legislative measure seeking a major expansion of paternity benefits, offering fathers and alternative caregivers up to 105 days of paid leave.
House Bill No. 9891, officially known as the Paternity and Parental Leave Act, aims to foster responsible parenthood, reinforce family dynamics, and promote early childhood development by giving fathers and caregivers more time to care for newborns during their crucial early months.
“By investing in shared parenting, this measure advances gender equality, improves child and family wellbeing, and strengthens labor force participation,” Diokno said.
“It affirms that childcare is not solely the responsibility of women, but a shared parental duty that must be actively supported by the State,” he added.
The proposed legislation was co-authored by fellow Akbayan Representatives Percival Cendaña and Dadah Kiram Ismula, alongside Dinagat Islands Lone District Representative Kaka Bag-ao.
If passed into law, the bill would increase paid paternity leave from the current seven days to 90 continuous days for live childbirths, and to 60 continuous days for miscarriages or emergency pregnancy terminations.
Additionally, the bill allocates 15 more days of paid parental leave, which can be used either consecutively or intermittently within one year of the child’s birth.
Diokno noted that the proposed policy is designed to match the 105-day Expanded Maternity Leave Law, which was previously authored by the Akbayan Party-list and Senator Risa Hontiveros.
The measure also broadens the scope of beneficiaries by extending coverage to unmarried fathers and designated alternative caregivers who assist in raising the child.
Furthermore, informal sector workers and voluntary members of the Social Security System (SSS) are eligible, provided they meet standard contribution rules.
Under the bill, private-sector employers will advance the leave pay to qualified staff, with the SSS providing full reimbursement later.
To ensure compliance, the bill outlines strict penalties for violations. Establishments that refuse to grant the leave could face fines between ₱20,000 and ₱200,000, prison terms ranging from six to 12 years, or the cancellation of their business permits.
Diokno also warned that fathers who do not use the leave period to provide proper care and family support could be penalized under the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004.