Bill seeks 105-day leave for fathers

A lawmaker is pushing for a major expansion of paternity leave benefits, proposing up to 105 days of paid leave for fathers and other qualified caregivers to help strengthen family support and child development.

Akbayan Party-list Rep. Chel Diokno filed House Bill No. 9891, also known as the Paternity and Parental Leave Act (PAPA Leave Act), on Wednesday to give fathers more time to care for their newborn children and support their families during the critical early stages of parenthood.

Under the proposal, paid paternity leave would increase from the current seven days to 90 continuous days for live childbirth and 60 continuous days in cases of miscarriage or emergency termination of pregnancy.

The measure also provides an additional 15 days of paid parental leave that may be used within one year from childbirth, either continuously or intermittently. If approved, the total benefit would reach 105 days, matching the leave period granted under the country’s maternity leave law.

“By investing in shared parenting, this measure advances gender equality, improves child and family wellbeing, and strengthens labor force participation. It affirms that childcare is not solely the responsibility of women, but a shared parental duty that must be actively supported by the State,” Diokno said in a statement Friday.

The proposed legislation seeks to widen coverage beyond married fathers by including non-marital fathers and alternative caregivers who play a significant role in raising and caring for newborns and young children.

It also extends eligibility to workers in the informal sector and voluntary members of the Social Security System (SSS), subject to contribution requirements, allowing more Filipinos to benefit from the expanded leave privileges.

To ease the burden on employers, private-sector companies would continue to advance leave benefits, with full reimbursement to be provided by the SSS.

The bill likewise strengthens worker protections by prohibiting employers from dismissing, demoting, or discriminating against employees who avail themselves of paternity or parental leave benefits.

At the same time, the measure includes safeguards against abuse of the program. Diokno said fathers who fail to provide care and support to their children while on leave may be considered in violation of Section 5(i) of the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act.

The proposal also imposes penalties on employers and individuals found violating the law, including fines, imprisonment, and possible revocation of business permits.

According to Diokno, the measure aims to encourage shared parenting responsibilities while promoting stronger family relationships and better outcomes for children.