A BILL expanding paid leave benefits for Filipino workers was filed amid reports of greater worker stress and lessened productivity due to poor work-life balance.
“Many workers today are overworked and do not have enough time to rest, which affects their health, productivity, and family life,” Oducado said.
A working paper from the DOLE-ILS showed that 72% of Filipino workers experience stress, while surveys found stress levels rising to 72% recently, highlighting how many employees struggle with burnout and lack of rest.
HB 8741, entitled “Service Incentive Leave Act of 2026,” establishes an increase in the annual service incentive leave (SIL) from five (5) days to ten (10) days with pay for employees who have rendered at least one year of service.
“This measure ensures that workers are given enough time to rest and take care of themselves and their families,” Oducado said.
The bill allows employees to convert only up to five (5) unused leave days into cash and keeps exemptions for those already receiving similar or better benefits and for certain small or financially constrained businesses.
“This is a practical and humane solution that supports workers without placing too much burden on employers,” Oducado said.
