Sotto files bill giving special privileges to pregnant women

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March 8, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Vicente Sotto III has filed a bill providing special privileges and financial relief to pregnant women, from medical check-ups to vitamins and laboratory tests.

Senate Bill 1443, titled “An Act Institutionalizing the Special Privileges to All Women During the Period of Pregnancy,” seeks to institutionalize the equal protection of the rights of mothers and their unborn children from conception up to birth.

The bill mandates a 20 percent discount for pregnant women on all pregnancy-related expenses, including check-ups, diagnostic procedures, medicines and supplements.

Sotto noted that while PhilHealth offers some benefits, these are often too limited to cover the high costs of pregnancy.

“The limited (number) of benefits... serve as reasons why some Filipinas choose not to have children,” Sotto said, adding that the bill aims to “help alleviate the financial burdens of pregnancy.”

The coverage shall apply to women during pregnancy, delivery and up to 60 days after childbirth.

The bill also mandates a special medical leave benefit, which would grant a pregnant woman – in need of bed rest due to complications or health risks – 10 days of paid leave.