Manila — A new bill has been introduced in Congress aimed at providing workers with three days of paid leave for parental involvement in their children’s school events including graduations, recognition days and other significant celebrations. House Bill 9845, filed by Batangas Fourth District Representative Lianda Bolilia, proposes the “School Visitation Rights Act,” which aims to enhance parental involvement in important school events such as graduations, recognition days and other celebrations.
According to Bolilia, parental engagement in such milestones is crucial for fostering healthy parent-child relationships and ensuring that parents fulfill their responsibilities towards their children. Under the proposed law, employers would be required to grant employees up to three days of paid leave per school year to attend conferences or activities related to their children’s education. However, employees must first utilize all other available leave options, except sick leave and disability leave before taking this school visitation leave.
Employees must request this leave at least seven days in advance or within 24 hours in emergency situations and must coordinate with their employers to schedule the leave without disrupting workplace operations. Upon completion of the school visitation, the parent or guardian must obtain documentation from the school which will be submitted to the employer as proof of the visit. Failure to provide this verification within two working days may result in disciplinary action by the employer for unexcused absence from work.
The bill also ensures that employers are not unduly burdened by granting this leave by stipulating that if more than five percent of the workforce would be attending school activities simultaneously, the leave may be denied. Representative Bolilia emphasized that the proposed law aligns with Article XV of the 1987 Constitution, which recognizes the importance of the Filipino family and the rights of its members, including children’s right to proper care and education. The bill underscores the state’s commitment to supporting families and ensuring that parents can actively participate in their children’s educational journey. It seeks to strike a balance between parental responsibilities and workplace obligations promoting a conducive environment for both families and employers.
Source:
- House of Representatives: Legislative Documents – HOUSE BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
- House Bill 9845 – An Act Granting Employees Three Days Paid Leave To Attend School-Related Activities Of Their Children
- Principal Author/s: 1. BOLILIA, LIANDA B.
- Date Filed: 2024-01-30
