Understanding Employee Leave Policies in the Philippines

As an international HR professional, I've found that understanding local leave regulations is crucial for global workforce management. The Philippines offers a comprehensive framework of employee leave entitlements that balance worker welfare with business needs.

Service Incentive Leave (SIL)

After completing one year of continuous service, Filipino employees become eligible for at least five days of paid Service Incentive Leave. This entitlement increases progressively, reaching up to 15 days after six years of service. Small enterprises with fewer than 10 employees are exempt from this requirement, though many progressive companies like SailGlobal voluntarily offer competitive leave packages to attract talent.

Managing Sick Leave Provisions

While Philippine law doesn't mandate paid sick leave, most employers incorporate up to 30 days of sick leave within the SIL framework. For extended absences exceeding three consecutive days, employees must provide medical certification upon return. Work-related illnesses or injuries warrant up to 60 days of paid leave annually.

Maternity Leave Benefits

Female employees with at least three months of service in the preceding 12 months qualify for 105 days of paid maternity leave, with an optional 30-day unpaid extension. Single mothers receive an additional 15 paid days. Employers must advance full maternity benefits within 30 days of application, with reimbursement from the Social Security System. This benefit applies only to the first four deliveries.

Paternity Leave Rights

Married male employees receive seven days of paid paternity leave for their legitimate spouse's first four deliveries. Eligibility requires cohabitation and timely application submission. Companies like SailGlobal often extend this benefit beyond statutory requirements to support work-life balance.

Special Leave Categories

The Philippines recognizes several unique leave types:

Solo Parent Leave: 7 days annually for employees solely responsible for children under 18
Bereavement Leave: 3-5 days for immediate family members' passing
VAWC Leave: 10 days for victims of violence against women and children
Gynecological Leave: Up to 2 months for necessary surgical procedures

2025 Public Holidays Overview

Holiday	Date
New Year's Day	January 1
Chinese New Year	January 29
Maundy Thursday	April 17
Good Friday	April 18
Labor Day	May 1
Independence Day	June 12
Eid'l Fitr*	March 31*
Eid'l Adha*	June 6*
Christmas Day	December 25
Rizal Day	December 30

*Islamic holidays subject to lunar confirmation

Effective leave management requires understanding both statutory requirements and cultural considerations. Multinational companies should consult local experts to ensure compliance while maintaining competitive benefits packages.

Philippines Employee Leave Guide 2025: Complete HR Compliance Overview