Senator Ejercito pushes bill granting midwives plantilla posts, higher pay

Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito filed Senate Bill No. 2044, also known as the “Philippine Midwifery Empowerment Act.”

This legislation aims to formalize and professionalize the midwifery workforce in the Philippines. Notably, the bill seeks to provide greater job security by ending long-standing casual and job-order employment arrangements for midwives.

Ejercito has stated that the proposed measure is intended to address the long-standing injustices faced by midwives. Many of these professionals have worked for years without job security, sufficient pay, or clear pathways for career advancement.

“In many geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, sila ang una, at minsan ay tanging health provider. Filipino midwives walk long distances, cross rivers, and go the extra mile to reach mothers and patients who would otherwise have no access to basic health services,” he said.

Ejercito's bill proposes the creation of plantilla positions for midwives within the government service.

The legislation also aims to address decades of employment "precarity" or state of being in an uncertain situation in the sector by establishing these permanent positions and setting the entry-level pay at Salary Grade 13.

“Gusto nating tuldukan na itong pananatili nilang job order o casual employees lalo na’t tuloy-tuloy at napakahalaga naman ang kanilang serbisyo sa ating health system,” he said.

The proposed legislation introduces a ladderized education and career system designed to strengthen the midwifery profession and increase inclusivity for current practitioners.

Under the equivalency provisions, licensed midwives registered before the law’s passage may be granted degree equivalency based on their professional experience and prior learning.

Future graduates will be required to complete bridging programs to earn a degree, ensuring they can advance their qualifications without losing their license to practice.

As the principal author and sponsor of the Universal Health Care Act, Ejercito has emphasized that strengthening the role of midwives is essential to fully realizing universal healthcare in the country.

“Midwives are frontline health workers. Kung seryoso tayo sa UHC, kailangan nating palakasin ang kanilang hanay dahil mahalaga sila sa pagpapabuti ng maternal and child health,” he said.

Ejercito said the measure is intended to empower midwives and ensure the continued delivery of essential services, particularly in remote communities where they often serve as the primary—and sometimes only—healthcare providers.

-Paraluman News