What type of leaves are employees entitled to in the Philippines?

In the Philippines, employees are entitled to various types of leave benefits under the Labor Code and subsequent laws and regulations. Here's a summary of the primary types of leave and how you can avail them:

Annual Leave

  • Service Incentive Leave (SIL): Employees who have rendered at least one year of service are entitled to five days of paid leave annually. To avail of SIL, employees typically need to inform their employer ahead of time, following the company's leave policy.

Health-Related Leave

  • Sick Leave: The entitlement and procedure for sick leave vary by company. Employees usually need to submit a medical certificate and follow their employer's notification and documentation procedures.
  • Maternity Leave: Female employees are entitled to 105 days of paid maternity leave for childbirth and miscarriage, extendable by an additional 30 days without pay. Solo parents are entitled to an additional 15 days. Notification should be provided to the employer at least 30 days in advance, along with the expected due date and a medical certificate.
  • Paternity Leave: Eligible fathers can avail of seven days of paid leave for the birth of their child or the wife's miscarriage, to be taken consecutively or as agreed with the employer.
  • Expanded Maternity Leave: Adoptive parents can avail of 60 days of paid leave for the adoption of a child below seven years old.

Special Leaves

  • Parental Leave for Solo Parents: Solo parents are entitled to seven days of additional leave per year, provided they have rendered at least one year of service.
  • Violence Against Women and Their Children (VAWC) Leave: Up to ten days of paid leave are available for female employees who are victims of physical, sexual, psychological harm or suffering, or economic abuse. They must provide a medical or legal document to substantiate the leave request.
  • Special Leave Benefits for Women: Women employees who have undergone surgery due to gynecological disorders are entitled to two months of paid leave, based on medical certification.

Bereavement and Emergency Leave

  • Bereavement Leave: The provision of bereavement leave varies by employer, typically offering 3 to 7 days of leave for the death of an immediate family member.
  • Calamity or Emergency Leave: Some companies provide leave during natural disasters or emergencies, but this is not mandated by law and depends on company policy.


To avail of these leaves, employees need to follow their company's leave application process, which often requires submitting a leave form and supporting documents (e.g., medical certificates for sick or maternity leave) in advance or as soon as possible. The specific procedures and documentation requirements can vary, so it's essential to consult your direct manager. 

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