This schoolteacher is pregnant, unwed - and furious

A teacher is unable to take her maternity leave due to the lack of a marriage certificate.

I am a 24-year-old teacher in a public school with a master's degree, and I'm a candidate for my Ph.D. I am also pregnant and unwed.

My boyfriend, who is currently working in the US, will be coming home in December. We are planning to marry immediately, as I might lose my job (our bread and butter) if he doesn't.

Unfortunately, my doctor told me that I am experiencing an anembryonic pregnancy. I have to undergo immediate dilation and cutterage, locally known as "raspa," this month, because it is not good for my health to carry a dead fetus.

My problem is my maternity leave. My principal will not grant me such leave unless I file a paper stating that I am already married-with a marriage certificate, at that. How can I show her that certificate if I still have to wait for the arrival of my boyfriend?

I know I was being immoral for getting pregnant out of wedlock, but hello. Am I the only public school teacher in the Philippines who got pregnant before marriage? Some are lucky to have their boyfriends near them when they are forced to get married. But mine is not!

Would she force my boyfriend to come home and marry me now and waste P150,000 when he is coming home anyway in December? Can't she be considerate enough? Is there any law that covers unmarried women working in the government? -FURIOUS TEACHER!