Our mothers are undeniable heroes, doing the impossible task of nurturing us everyday. They come in different shapes and sizes, in different struggles and strengths, and all the same they put our needs above theirs at all times.
Our country shows its appreciation to these heroic figures with these government-mandated benefits:
1. Increased Maternity Benefits in Favor of Women Workers in the Private Sectors
Republic Act 7322 enumerates the maternity leaves and benefits of female employees who have recently gone through childbirth, abortion, or miscarriage. Currently, a bill proposing an extended maternity leave to 105 days is making its rounds in the senate. 7 of those days can be transferred to the husband in case of a necessary extension for paternity leave too.
2. Magna Carta of Women (Republic Act No. 9710)
According to Republic Act 9710, “The Magna Carta of Women is comprehensive women’s human rights law that seeks to eliminate discrimination against women by recognizing, protecting, fulfilling and promoting the rights of Filipino women, especially those in marginalized sector.”
3. Solo Parents
According to the Philippine Commission for Women, Republic Act 8972, dubbed the Solo Parents’ Welfare Act of 2000, is “an act providing for benefits and privileges to solo parents and their children, appropriating funds therefor and for other purposes.” Here, you will learn about everything you need from the government as a solo parent.
4. Other Laws for Women
Other than maternity benefits, women should also be aware of their rights in the Philippine Law. You can check out these other laws for further information:
- E.O. 209 as amended by EO 227, The Family Code of the Philippines;
- RA 6725, Prohibiting Employment Discrimination against Women;
- RA 6949, Act Declaring National Women’s Day;
- RA 6955, Act Prohibiting Mail-Order Bride Matching;
- RA 6972, Barangay Day-Care Center Law;
- RA 7192, Women in Development and Nation-Building Act;
- RA 7305, Magna Carta for Public Health Workers;
- RA 7322, Act Increasing Maternity Benefits for Women in the Private Sector;
- RA 7600, Act Promoting and Protecting Breast-feeding in Health Institutions;
- RA 7688, Representation of Women in the Social Security System;
- RA 7882, Women in Micro and Cottage Industries Act;
- RA 7877, Sexual Harassment Act;
- RA 8042, Migrant Workers’ Protection Act;
- RA 8353, Anti-Rape Law;
- RA 8505, Rape Victim Recovery and Rehabilitation Act;
- RA 9262, Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children;
- RA 9208, Anti- Trafficking of Persons Act;
- RA 9710, Magna Carta of Women;
- RA 10361, Kasambahay Law;
- RA 10354, The Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012
Patricia Li is a frequent contributor to Familywise Asia and Workwise Asia. She loves to read and write, and tries to incorporate this in her career.
