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Senate OKs kasambahay bill on 3rd reading


The Senate on Monday approved on third and final reading a bill seeking to increase the minimum wage of household helpers or kasambahays and provide them with additional benefits. Senate Bill No. 78, introduced by Senate Pro Tempore Jose "Jinggoy" Estrada, requires employers to pay their helpers at least P2,500 if they are within Metro Manila, at least P2,000 if they are in chartered cities and first class municipalities, and at least P1,500 for those working in third class municipalities. "This pro-poor bill will benefit two million domestic workers. It is high time that the Labor Code, which provides for a minimum wage of P800 for domestic helpers in the National Capital Region be amended," Estrada said during the interpellation of the bill. Aside from the pay standardization, the measure likewise requires employers to shoulder the premiums for their helpers’ benefits in the Social Security System (SSS), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-IBIG Fund, and the Employees Compensation Commission (ECC). It says that employers shall be required to provide their helpers with a pay slip that will contain the amount that they paid in cash. The bill also requires employers to provide their helpers with adequate food, suitable living conditions, and whatever medicine and equipment that their work may require. To ensure that these conditions are met, Senate Bill No. 78 requires a mandatory contract between the employer and employee that is written in a language or dialect understood by both. Under it, contracts — which shall not exceed two years — shall indicate the working hours and rest days of the helpers. "Having a contract will ensure that employers will comply with standard wages and benefits," said Estrada. Senate Bill No. 78 says that any violation of its provisions shall be punishable under existing penal laws without prejudice to civil and administrative cases that may be filed against the employer. Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile lauded the intent of the bill. "All human beings, no matter their station in life, should be accorded full dignity and guaranteed full respect for human rights," he said. "Most house helpers endure abuse in the hands of their employers. This bill not only ensures the rights of our helpers, but will also protect them from being maltreated," he added. — Kimberly Jane Tan/KBK/RSJ, GMANews.TV

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