VP Binay urges PNoy to certify Kasambahay Bill as urgent

Vice President Jejomar Binay is urging President Benigno Aquino III to certify House Bill No. 553 – the Magna Carta for Household Helpers – as urgent.

Binay, chairman emeritus of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking, said the bill can ensure the “freedom, equity and security” of domestic workers.

“The Kasambahay Bill should be passed into law as our domestic workers also deserve access to decent and humane work [environment], same as with professionals,” he said in a news release.

He added the immediate passage of the bill will “greatly reduce the incidence of labor-related trafficking.”

House Bill 553 sets minimum standards for the employment of domestic workers following the International Labor Organization’s (ILO) adoption of new rules for the protection of household helpers.

Binay said passing the bill will also show the Philippine government’s determination to protect the rights of domestic workers, whether in the country or abroad.

In a letter to House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., he said the passage of the Kasambahay Bill will pave the way for the realization of “the dream of affording our kababayans the protection of their rights as citizens of our Republic.”

The bill allows household helpers 18 years or older to pursue their education with no impact to their compensation, he added.

Under the bill, household helpers who are minors will have access to public primary, secondary or vocational education.

The bill also sets penalties for violations, including a fine of P5,000 to P20,000 or imprisonment of three months to three years, or both fine and imprisonment, for employers violating the measure.

Also, the bill provides specific minimum wages for household helpers depending on their location, whether in urban or rural areas.

Household helpers will also be entitled to Social Security System and Philhealth benefits as well as 13th month pay, annual 14-day paid vacation, and maternity or paternity leave.

The bill complies with the standards of the ILO that household workers should be given “reasonable working hours, a weekly rest of at least 24 consecutive hours, a limit on in-kind payment, clear information on terms and conditions of employment.

It also promotes respect for fundamental principles including freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining. — LBG, GMA News