A lawmaker on Thursday pushed for the passage of a measure granting five days of compassionate leave benefit with full pay to employees in the public and private sectors to attend to family matters.

Isabela Rep. Inno Dy said the proposed 5-day compassionate leave under House Bill (HB) 8822 would help boost the morale of the employees, and improve job satisfaction, productivity, and overall wellness.

“HB No. 8822 recognizes Filipinos’ strong family ties. Through this proposed measure, we hope to help lessen the burden borne by employees who are already facing crises with their families,” Dy said in a statement. “Our employees should not have to be punished for attending to crucial family matters by being docked their pay for the day.”

Under the bill, the five compassionate leave days may be used to attend to critical family matters, such as illnesses and death of immediate family members or relatives within the third degree of consanguinity or affinity.

Employees who have rendered at least six months of service are entitled to this benefit.

The 5-day compassionate leave is non-cumulative and non-convertible to cash and will be given in addition to employees’ current leave benefits under existing laws and regulations.

Dy said the compassionate leave would ultimately benefit organizations.

The proposal is being deliberated in the House of Representatives Committee on Labor and Employment.

“Umaasa po tayo na sa tulong ng deliberasyon sa komite ay mapabuti pa natin ang panukala upang maging mas epektibo ito at tunay na makatulong sa mga kababayan natin (We are hoping that the committee deliberations would improve the proposed measure so that it would be truly effective in helping our countrymen),” Dy said. (PNA)