Annual Leave & Other Leave Policies in Philippines

Statutory Annual Paid Leave

Employees in the Philippines who have completed a full year of service are entitled to five days of paid leave per calendar year, known as Special Incentive Leave or Service Incentive Leave. This leave is designed to reward employees for their service and to provide them with an opportunity to rest and recharge. In addition to the annual paid leave, employees are also entitled to various other holidays. The Philippines recognizes 10 regular national holidays and eight special non-working holidays, with additional special holidays declared through Presidential Proclamations.

Understanding these leave entitlements is essential for both employers and employees to ensure that leave policies are implemented fairly and consistently. Employers should communicate these entitlements clearly to their employees and ensure that leave requests are processed in a timely manner.

Statutory Paid Sick Leave

Unlike some countries, the Philippines does not have a statutory provision for paid sick leave. Instead, employees can utilize their Service Incentive Leaves, which are five days per year. These leaves can be used for any purpose, including illness. Additionally, employees who have made at least three monthly contributions to the Social Security System (SSS) in the last 12 months can claim a sickness benefit. This benefit comprises 90% of their monthly salary once their other sick leave entitlements have been exhausted. This system ensures that employees have some form of financial support during periods of illness, even in the absence of statutory sick leave.

Public Holidays in the Philippines

In 2026, the public holidays in the Philippines are as follows:

Regular Holidays:

Service Incentive Leave & Other Leave

• Service Incentive Leave (SIL) (labour Code of the Philippines, Article 95) – 5 days leave with pay per year. Available after at least 1 year of service. Unused SIL must be converted to cash. Pro-rated depending on company practice.
• Maternity Leave (Expanded Maternity Leave Law RA 11210) – 105 days paid leave for live childbirth, plus 15 days if solo parent and 60 days for miscarriage or emergency termination. All female employees (regardless of civil status).
• Paternity Leave (Paternity Leave Act RA 8187) – 7 days with pay. For Married male employee for first 4 deliveries/miscarriages of lawful spouse.
• Parental Leave for Solo Parents (Solo Parents’ Welfare Act RA 8972 as amended by RA 11861) – 7 days leave with pay per year. Must be a registered solo parent and must at least 1 year of service in the company.
• Leave for Victims of Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) (RA 9262) – 10 days leave with pay, but extendible if needed by the court for legal, medical, and psychological support.
• Special Leave for Women (Magna Carta of Women RA 9710) – Up to 2 months leave with pay. For surgery related to gynecological disorders. Requires 6 months aggregate service (within last 12 months).

SSS-Paid Leave Benefits

SSS Sickness Benefit – daily cash allowance paid for the number of days a member is unable to work due to sickness or injury

Qualifications:

• Is unable to work due to sickness or injury and is confined either in a hospital or at home for at least four (4) days.
• Has paid at least three (3) months of contributions within the 12-month period immediately preceding the semester of sickness or injury. In determining the SE/VM/OFWs entitlement to the benefit, the SSS shall only consider those contributions paid prior to the semester of contingency.
• Has notified the employer, if employed, or the SSS, if SE/VM/OFW/separated from employment regarding his/her sickness or injury.
• Has used up all current company sick leave with pay for the current year, if employed, except sea-based OFWs.

Benefit Amount: 90% of the member’s average daily salary credit; Maximum of 120 days per year

SSS Maternity Benefit – daily cash allowance granted to a female member who is unable to work due to childbirth, miscarriage, or emergency termination of pregnancy.

Qualifications:

• Has paid at least three (3) months of contributions in the 12-month period immediately preceding the semester of childbirth, miscarriage, or ETP. In determining the female member’s entitlement to the benefit, the SSS shall only consider those contributions paid prior to the semester of contingency;
• Has duly notified the employer of her pregnancy and the probable date of her childbirth, if employed. Moreover, the notice shall be transmitted to SSS in accordance with the rules and regulations it may provide; and
• Has duly notified the SSS directly of her pregnancy and the probable date of her childbirth, if a self-employed (SE) or voluntary member (VM), a non-working spouse (NWS), or an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW).

Benefit Amount:

• 100% of average daily salary credit × number of paid maternity leave days
  • 105 days – any instance of live childbirth (normal or caesarian section delivery)
  • 120 days – additional 15 days for solo parents under RA No. 8972, also known as the Solo Parents’ Welfare Act
  • 60 days – miscarriage or ETP including stillbirth

Please note that all the information listed below are to be used as a general guideline. For more detailed accounts of Philippines employment laws and regulations, please visit the official governmental websites.

Updated on: June 2026