Duterte signs law allowing private employees to work from home

By CNN Philippines Staff, Jan 11, 2019

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 10) — President Rodrigo Duterte has signed the Telecommuting Act, which allows employees in the private sector to work from home.

Republic Act No. 11165 was signed by the President on December 20, 2018, according to the document released Thursday.

It defines telecommuting as a work arrangement wherein an employee is allowed to work from an alternative workplace with the use of telecommunication and computer technologies.

The law does not require employers to establish telecommuting arrangements, but stresses those must be offered to employees “on a voluntary basis.” It also mandates employers to ensure that “telecommuting employees are given the same treatment as that of comparable employees working at the employer’s premises,” including the pay and benefits.

As ordered, the labor secretary will come up with the implementing rules and regulations in consultation with stakeholders within 60 days.