Camarines Sur 2nd district Rep. Luis Ray Villafuerte is batting for the approval of a law granting a 10-day “bereavement” leave with pay for workers in the government and even the private sectors.
He said the proposed paid leave shall cover employees who would lose an immediate kin within the third level of consanguinity or affinity.
“Among others, this bereavement leave is sought to provide employees adequate time to make the necessary wake and/or burial arrangements as well as to reach out to family members and friends for emotional support during this difficult time,” he said.
Villafuerte, House committee on appropriations vice chairman, said his proposed House Bill No. 6043 would ensure the non-diminution of benefits and security of tenure to those who avail themselves of the proposed bereavement leave.
The bill is now pending at the House committees on labor and employment and on civil service and professional regulation.
“In fact, the discretion to grant employees the space to grieve and recover from the loss lies solely on the employer who may or may not permit the same. This scenario contradicts the State policy to provide employees with humane working conditions that foster their productivity and maintain their dignity,” Villafuerte said.
HB No. 6043 is a counterpart measure to the version filed by Senator Grace Poe.