For having 22 favorable votes, the Senate has just approved a proposed law which would increase the number of days of paid maternity leave during the third and final reading last Monday.

Under the proposed Expanded Maternity Leave or the Senate Bill 1305, maternity leave would be extended from 60 days to 120 days, and an additional 30 days for the single working mothers.

The sponsor of the said bill, Senator Risa Hontiveros, previously noted that it was back in 1992, which is already 25 years ago, after the last time the number of maternity leave was increased.

She claimed that the new generation bill seeks to address to the pre and post natal health needs of the working mothers as well as the daily realities faced by the modern Filipino family.

Apparently, as for Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto’s part, he understands such needs. Thus, he called for the early signing of the proposed law.

So far, the existing law provides working mother with only 60 days of leave with pay equivalent to 100 percent of their basic monthly salary, allowances and other benefits. Meanwhile, for mothers who underwent caesarian section, they are entitled to take 78 days of leave without pay.