Kasambahay bill

Aquino signs Kasambahay bill into law

MANILA, Philippines -- President Benigno Aquino III has signed into law the Kasambahay Bill, which is expected to benefit some 2.5 million domestic helpers.

Deputy Malacanang spokesperson Abigail Valte said Republic Act No. 10361, or “An Act Instituting Policies for the Protection and Welfare of Domestic Workers,” was signed on January 18.

The statute defines the labor rights of domestic household workers, increases their minimum wage, and provides regular employment benefits for them.

The new law sets the minimum wage of domestic workers to a minimum of P2,500 a month in the National Capital Region; P2,000 a month in chartered cities and first class municipalities; and P1,500 a month for those employed in other municipalities.

A year after the law takes effect, the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards are mandated to review and adjust the wages for domestic workers as needed.

Besides standardized pay, domestic workers will be entitled to other social benefits provided under existing laws and to be enrolled in the Social Security System, Philhealth, and Pag-Ibig Fund, with premium payments shouldered by employers if the helpers receive a monthly salary below P5,000.

Reaction:

Cleaning the whole house, washing clothes, dishes, and cars is what a house helper should do everyday. It requires hard work, perseverance and patience in order to have this king of profession. Being a house helper is no kind of joke. It is nice to know that the local government is caring about them and their situations. In this typical type of world, the house helpers belongs to the "lowest class" in the society. As result, the house owners is only giving them a salart as low as they could possibly get. That's why they could not send their child to school and even support their family.

By approving this king of bill, the house helper can breathe undoubtedly because they can now receive a higher salary for their timeless hard work and perseverance. More than that, they can receive more bonuses like enrolling them in the Social Security System, Philhealth, and Pag-Ibig Fund, with premium payments shouldered by employers if the helpers receive a monthly salary below P5,000. Therefore I conclude that Our President Noynoy Aquino did a great job.