MANILA, (PNA) — A lawmaker has filed a bill establishing a comprehensive health care program of services for working pregnant women and their families.
Rep. Sol Aragones (3rd District, Laguna) said House Bill 339 will require business establishments to grant a one day medical leave per month to their pregnant employee to enable her to undergo a medical check-up on any ailment related to her pregnancy.
Under the proposed Pregnant Women’s Protection Act, Aragones said all government hospitals and health centers should provide free consultations for the pregnant women.
Aragones said pregnant women would be granted discount in buying medicines and vitamins during pregnancy.
Likewise, Aragones said a pregnant women’s assistant desk shall be established in all government hospitals and health centers.
Aragones said selected personnel in all government hospitals and health centers, including health workers and barangay nutrition scholars shall be trained for the pregnant women assistant desk.
The bill mandates the companies and corporations to allocate at least ten percent of their budget for corporate social responsibility for projects, programs, events and activities that will benefit pregnant women.
It will also require employers to provide a flexible working schedule for pregnant women but should not affect individual and company productivity.
No employer shall discriminate their pregnant woman employee with respect to the terms and conditions of employment on account of her status.
Aragones said the one day medical leave each month for pregnant women employee is in addition to leave privileges under existing laws, provided she has rendered at least one year of service prior to her pregnancy.
Aragones said laws have been enacted recognizing the special needs of women as workers and as mothers, but failed to aid specific needs of the expectant mothers.
Aragones cited Presidential Decree 442 or the Labor Code of the Philippines regarding maternity leave benefits, Republic Act 8282 or the Social Security Law of 1997 regarding maternity leave benefits for private employees, Republic Act 8972 or the Solo Parents Welfare Act and Republic Act 8187 or the Paternity Leave Act of 1996.
Under the bill, violators face a fine of P25,000 and jail term of six months.