KASAMBAHAY BILL: Domestic Workers Act

KASAMBAHAY BILL: Domestic Workers Act

Finally after 15 years, the Senate finally ratified on Tuesday the “Kasambahay” bill which sets the following benefits for household workers:

• A monthly minimum wage of domestic workers at Php 2,500 for those working in the National Capital Region. Please note that househelpers working in chartered cities and first-class municipalities will receive a minimum wage of Php 2,000 and for those in other municipalities, Php 1,500.
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• Overtime pay after 8 hours of work a day
• At least 8 hours of rest per day
• 24 hrs. break once a week
• Total cost of Php 368.00 per month must be paid by the employer for the domestic worker's SSS, Pag-ibig and Philhealth, if salary is less than Php 5,000
• The domestic worker is entitled to 13th month pay.

The following requirements are needed to be submitted by the household workers to DOLE

• Birth Certificate
• Baptismal Certificate
• Baranggay Clearance
• NBI Clearance

A contract must be signed by the employer and the household worker. Said contract should be in a language or dialect understood by both parties. The contract is renewable every year.

The Kasambahay bill will give dignity and respect to some 2 million domestic household workers.