In line with the celebration of Women’s Month, CIA with BA dedicated part of its program to discussing issues commonly faced by women.
Through the segment Tanong ng Pilipino, viewers had the opportunity to ask questions about women’s rights, particularly in the workplace and family matters. Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, along with Boy Abunda, provided legal insights and guidance on these concerns.
One of the questions came from Judelyn, who asked, “Pwede bang papasukin sa trabaho ang isang babae kahit hindi pa tapos ang kanyang maternity leave?” (Can a woman be required to return to work before her maternity leave ends?)
Kuya Alan responded, “Bawal papasukin ang isang babaeng nasa maternity leave pa hangga’t hindi natatapos ‘yung continuous at uninterrupted na 105 days. ‘Yan ay base sa science at health ng babae at pangangailangan ng kanilang pamilya.” (A woman cannot be required to return to work while still on maternity leave until she has completed the continuous and uninterrupted 105 days. This is based on science, women’s health, and family needs.)
“Halimbawa, kung 90 days pa lang at sinabi ng boss kung puwede na ba siyang pumasok… maaapektuhan po ‘yung kanilang pamilya at kalusugan,” he explained. (For example, if it has only been 90 days and the boss asks if she can return to work, it could affect her family and health.)
“Pero kung ‘yung mismong nanay o babae ay gusto na niyang pumasok after a number of days, puwede naman po ‘yon. Pero hindi siya puwedeng i-require ng kanyang boss o ng kanyang kumpanya bago matapos ang maternity leave,” Kuya Alan added. (However, if the mother herself wants to return to work after a certain number of days, she may do so. But her employer cannot require her to return before her maternity leave ends.)
Another question came from Lisa: “May karapatan ba ang isang single mother na hindi isulat ang pangalan ng tatay sa birth certificate ng bata?” (Does a single mother have the right to leave the father’s name blank on the child’s birth certificate?)
“‘Yung batas natin sa Civil Registry, wala namang nagre-require sa ‘yo o nagsasabing dapat ilagay ang pangalan [ng tatay] doon,” Kuya Alan noted. (Our Civil Registry law does not require you to include the father’s name.)
“Hindi naman natin kinukuwestyon ang intensyon ng nanay kung ano ang pinakamabuti, pero kung all things equal at susundin mo ang batas, at wala namang problema, mas magandang ilagay din doon for the record. Kasi at least alam din ng bata kung sino ang tatay niya, lalo na kung hindi naman itinatanggi ng tatay,” he advised. (We don’t question the mother’s intentions regarding what she believes is best, but if all things are equal and there are no legal issues, it would be better to include the father’s name for the record. At the very least, the child will know who their father is, especially if the father does not deny paternity.)
The episode highlighted the importance of understanding women’s rights, particularly in legal and workplace matters. By addressing real-life concerns from viewers, CIA with BA continues to serve as a platform for public service and legal education. The discussion served as a reminder that laws exist to protect women’s well-being and that awareness of these rights is key to ensuring they are upheld.
The program continues the legacy of the late Senator Rene Cayetano and airs every Sunday at 11:00 p.m. on GMA 7, with replays on GTV the following Saturday at 10:30 p.m.