14-Day Pandemic Leave as Urgent Due to Lockdown Pushed in Senate
The Philippine Senate is now calling on the government to certify the 14-day paid pandemic leave amid the lockdown.
Gabriela Partylist Rep. Arlene Brosas said that many Filipino employees are severely affected by the imposition of stricter enhanced community quarantine. Most of them would be compelled to work due to the “no work, no pay” policy.
Brosas is one of the authors of House Bill No. 7909 or the Paid Pandemic Leave Law of 2020 with the aim to provide a paid pandemic leave to the workers. She wants to protect the rights of the employees amid the health crisis.
“This is why the government should certify as urgent the Makabayan bloc’s Paid Pandemic Leave Bill to provide social safety nets in place as workers and their families continue to suffer from income losses,” Brosas said.
The House Bill No. 7909 would grant a full pay to the Filipino workers during the 14 days of additional leave if confirmed, probable or suspected for the coronavirus disease.
Employees are required to submit medical records and proof of eligibility to the employer for immediate action when applying for the pandemic leave. Floating workers are also entitled to receive 80 percent pay for a maximum of 60 days.
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