26/05/2025
Open Letter to the Lawmakers of the Philippines
Dear Lawmakers,
Greetings of peace and goodwill from Healing Haligi!
We hope this letter finds you well. We are writing as concerned citizens and advocates for family welfare to respectfully urge your support for the expansion of paternity leave entitlements in the Philippines.
As of this writing, the Republic Act No. 8187 or the “Paternity Leave Act of 1996,” grants seven (7) days of paternity leave to married fathers in the private and public sectors. While this legislation was a step forward in recognizing the role of fathers in child-rearing, it no longer adequately reflects the needs of modern Filipino families.
Seven (7) days is often insufficient for fathers to provide meaningful support to their partners during childbirth and the postpartum period. Extended paternity leave can create stronger familial bonds, promote gender equality in caregiving, and contribute positively to the physical and mental well-being of both mother and child. In many countries, expanded paternity leave has led to improved outcomes in early child development and greater work-life balance.
We respectfully propose that the Senate considers legislation that extends paternity leave, ideally with provisions for further extension or shared parental leave. This policy can be designed to ensure minimal disruption to employers while maximizing benefits to families.
Your leadership and commitment to advancing family-centered policies would be instrumental in bringing this issue to the legislative agenda. We trust in your dedication to improving the lives of all Filipinos and hope you will champion this cause for a more inclusive and supportive family environment.
Thank you for your time and attention. We would be grateful for any opportunity to engage further on this important issue.
Sincerely,
Abacan J., Bautista A., De Veas J., and Jarque H.
Healing Haligi
