10-day service incentive leave to be implemented in the Philippines

A measure seeking to increase the yearly service incentive leave (SIL) of employees in the private sector in the Philippines from five to 10 days has passed through the second reading at the House of Representatives.

The proposed amendment states that every employee who has rendered at least one year of service to the company shall be entitled to a yearly service incentive leave of 10 days, and is aimed at providing work-life balance for employees, boosting worker morale and satisfaction, and minimising health risk and safety issues, reported the Philippine News Agency. 

However, the legislation will not apply to employees who are already enjoying such benefits and those who are employed in organisations with fewer than 10 employees. 

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“Such incentives boost the morale and satisfaction of employees which are manifested in increased productivity”, said Baguio City Rep. Mark Go, the author of the measure, who added that the granting of such leaves is beneficial to both workers and employers. 

“Leave credits also minimises the risk of health and safety issues among employees which may even be more costly for both employees and employers in the long-run”, he said.