Double paternity pay pushed

Fathers and would-be fathers are cheering the proposal of Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel to extend to 15 days the current seven-day paid paternity leave benefit for male employees in both public and private sectors. Take note, though, that this is only for married men so for single dads out there, this proposal does not cover you.

“We have to give fathers at least half a month off work, with full pay, for them to be able to lend ample support to their wives in nursing their newborns, and to help mothers recuperate from childbirth,” Pimentel said, explaining why he filed House Bill No. 3401 that would give 15 days of paternity leave benefit payable to “working husbands for each of the first four childbirths of his lawful wife with whom he is cohabitating.”

One doesn’t need to consult experts to know that fathers who take longer paternity leaves or spend more time in child rearing activities increase their bonds with their kids and of course, with their spouses.

Pimentel’s proposed HB 3401 seeks to amend Republic Act 8187, or the Paternity Leave Benefit Act of 1996 that was originally authored by the late Senator Ernesto Herrera. 

“There’s no question an extended paternity leave with full pay would go a long way in restoring the family’s overall work-life balance,” Pimentel reiterated. And as if proving that he is an equal opportunity lawmaker, the representative from Surigao del Sur is also favoring a proposal in both the House and the Senate to increase the existing paid maternity leave benefit for working mothers from 60 days “to at least 100 days.”

That’s definitely very welcome news women especially new mothers who would need as much time as they can to learn the ropes in taking care of their newborn.  The lawmaker disclosed that some companies such as Accenture are already granting 120 days of paid maternity leave to their female employees.

Weber Shandwick marks 10th year in PH

Congratulations to leading global public relations firm Weber Shandwick that celebrated the 10th anniversary of its Philippine office at The City Club Alphaland Makati Place recently. The global firm’s Manila office has been has been providing public relations and marketing communications services including strategic counsel, media relations, digital PR and issues management in the areas of public affairs, brand and crisis communications as well as CEO and corporate reputation management for a decade now.

Among those who graced the event are SM Prime Holdings Inc.’s Hans Sy and Philippine Airlines president Jimmy Bautista, with Weber Shandwick Asia Pacific head of corporate and crisis and Korea managing director Tyler Kim flying in to celebrate the Philippine team’s milestone event. 

According to WS Philippines president and COO Diana Lesaca, the firm has had its share of “an exciting first decade of PR in the country.” She added that the Philippine office is set on flexing its creativity and strategy muscles to cope with the challenges of a changing landscape especially with the onset of the digital era. 

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