AKBAYAN Party-list Rep. Jose Manuel Diokno has filed House Bill 9891, or the Paternity and Parental Leave Act (PAPA Leave Act), that would expand paternity leave benefits for fathers from seven to 105 days.
Diokno said the measure aims to promote responsible parenthood, strengthen family bonds and improve child development outcomes by enabling fathers to be more present during the critical early stages of a child’s life.
Akbayan Representatives Percival Cendana and Dadah Ismula, and Dinagat Islands Rep. Kaka Bag-ao, are Diokno’s co-authors in the legislation.
If enacted, it would increase paid paternity leave 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.
It also introduces an additional 15 days of paid parental leave, which could be availed of within a year of childbirth, either continuously or on separate occasions, bringing the total leave benefit to 105 days.
It aligns with the 105-day maternity leave law championed by the party and Sen. Risa Hontiveros.
“By investing in shared parenting, this measure advances gender equality, improves child and family well-being, 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.
He, however, noted that any father who fails to provide such care and support while on paternity or parental leave is deemed to have committed an act of violence under Section 5 (i) of Republic Act 9262, otherwise known as the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004.
The legislation broadens eligibility beyond married fathers, extending coverage to nonmarital fathers and alternative caregivers who play a significant role in caring for newborns and young children.
It extends its coverage to workers in the informal economy and voluntary members of the Social Security System, subject to contribution requirements.
Penalties will be imposed on employers and individuals who violate its provisions, including fines, imprisonment and the revocation of business permits, while accountability mechanisms are established to prevent the misuse of leave benefits.
