Quezon City Rep. Marvin Rillo is batting for the passage of new legislation that would grant a fully paid week-long bereavement leave benefit to all employees in the event of an immediate family member’s death.
Under House Bill No. 4340, private and public sector employees would be entitled to seven days of paid bereavement leave following the death of a spouse, biological or adoptive parent or child, or a full or half-blood brother or sister.
“The death of a loved one creates considerable physical, emotional and psychological burden on employees, who deserve a break from work to grieve and attend to funeral arrangements,” Rillo said.
“The paid bereavement leave, once enacted, will go a long way in cultivating a truly compassionate workplace for every Filipino,” he added.
The lawmaker said his measure “is in accordance with the right of employees to humane conditions of work, and consistent with the duty of the State to afford full protection to labor.”
Under the bill, the bereavement leave would be in addition to all paid leave benefits currently enjoyed by employees.
Employers would be prohibited from using the bereavement leave to reduce existing leave rights established by laws, decrees, executive orders, or any contract, agreement, or policy.
Employees who avail of bereavement leave would also be assured of security of tenure.
“Availment of the leave shall not be considered a misconduct or any form of unsatisfactory performance, nor can it be used as reason for demotion, suspension or termination from employment.”
Under the bill, employers who fail to grant the bereavement leave benefit would face punishment by a maximum fine of P20,000 or up to 30 days in prison.
