MAMAMAYAN Liberal (ML) Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima has filed a bill aimed at extending maternity benefits to women working in the informal economy.
House Bill 9904, the “Maternity Benefit for Women in the Informal Economy Act,” seeks to amend Republic Act No. 11210 and mirrors the provisions of Senator Risa Hontiveros’ Senate Bill No. 1579. Under the measure, female workers who are not members of the Social Security System (SSS) would receive a one-time maternity cash benefit per delivery equivalent to 44 days’ worth of the prevailing daily minimum wage in their region of residence.
“This legislation is about ensuring optimal maternal healthcare in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. We are protecting mothers’ rights while also safeguarding the survival and development of Filipino children,” De Lima said.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) would administer the cash benefit. Funding for the program would come from excise taxes on sweetened beverages, alcohol, tobacco, heated tobacco, and vapor products, with additional allocations potentially provided under the General Appropriations Act.
De Lima highlighted that many women in the informal sector—including street vendors, domestic helpers, seamstresses, laundry workers, drivers, and micro-entrepreneurs—lack adequate benefits and job security. “Through this bill, we ensure no mother is left behind, and all women are granted the rights and services they need during pregnancy and childcare,” she added.
The measure follows similar efforts in the 20th Congress by legislators including Reps. Brian Yamsuan, Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, Yedda Romualdez, Andrew Romualdez, Akbayan Reps. Dadah Ismula, Jose Manuel Diokno, Percival Cendaña, and Kaka Bag-ao.
A consistent advocate for social justice and women’s rights, De Lima has authored several laws protecting women, including HB 8717 to strengthen the Safe Spaces Act against gender-based harassment, HB 8716 to bolster legal protections against sexual abuse, and HB 8393 to criminalize violence against women in politics.