Thoughts on the Kasambahay Bill

I have some newly married and mom friends asking about the Kasambahay Bill. As of the moment, based on what I have read, this bill hasn’t been signed yet to become a law. I wanted to share with you though my thoughts on this bill (house bill no. 1140).

Here are pertinent information that I got from reading the bill. I have also included some helpful information for you and your kasambahay:
1. Kasambahay means anyone who renders domestic / household services. So yes, even drivers and houseboys (and even valets for those Downton abbey households) are included.
2. It is now stated that they they have rights to social protection. They should apply for Social Security System Membership. The employers shall pay for the employer’s share of the SSS contributions without deducting it from the employee’s pay. Likewise, the employee should pay for the his/her share in SSS.

For those who are wondering how much should one pay, here is a table from SSS of the contributions that need to be made.

3. The Kasambahay should now become a member of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth).

4. The minimum wage for the Kasambahay are the following:
Php 3000 / month for those working in NCR
Php 2000 / month for those employed in other chartered cities and first class municipalities
Php 1000 / month for those working in other municipalities

5. Pay also should be given at least twice a month and should not be made in tokens, chits, promissory notes, etc. It should be paid in cash.

6. Pay slips should be given to the employee.

7. The Kasambahay has the right to free board, lodging and medical attendance. A first aid kit must also be kept in the household.

8. The Kasambahay is entitled to educational opportunities. They have the right to access opportunities to upgrade their skill.

For those who want to upgrade the skills of their helpers, have them join the Ok Ka, Yaya Ko! Workshop. http://mommyginger.com/2013/01/ok-ka-yaya-ko-workshop.html It will include sessions and interactive activities on First Aid, Child Care, Self-Development and Etiquette.

9. Each Kasambahay will have to sign a contract of domestic service, which shall include the following:
a. Period of employment (which shall not exceed 2 years);
b. Monthly compensation and mode of payment;
c. Annual Salary Increase
d. Working hours and day-off schedule
e. living quarters and sleeping arrangement

10. All kasambahay applicants should have this:
a. Medical certificate attesting to the physical and mental illness of the domestic worker to be secured from a licensed physician
b. NBI clearance
c. Barangay Clearance
d. Duly authenticated Birth certificate from the National Statistics Office

11. Rest periods: should give Kasambahay 8 hours of rest daily and 1 day rest period after 6 days of work.

12. Kasambahays are entitled to a 13th month pay

13. Kasambahays are entitled to the SSS benefit (if they have been contributing) and the employer can advance the payment and be reimbursed by SSS.

14. Kasambahays are entitled to a 60 days leave for normal delivery, 78 days for c-section delivery or a 7 day paternity leave.

15. Vacation leave: entitled to 5 days with pay

16. Termination of contract: Notice of at least 5 days in advance.

Well, that’s it. These are the pertinent things that I got from the Kasambahay Bill.If you want to read through the entire Kasambahay bill, here is a copy:
Copy of the Kasambahay Bill

I personally think this will be both beneficial to the employers and the kasambahays. It’s good that there will be rules guiding all actions of both parties. This will prevent the kasambahays from demanding more than what is due them, and also this will prevent employers to abuse their power, too. In our household, I am already starting to adapt to the provisions indicated in the bill, even if it is not a law yet.

I am not asking one of our maids to get SSS already (the other one has). I just have a maid and a yaya, so it’s relatively easier to ask them both to comply. Also, I am sending them to the Ok Ka, Yaya Ko! Workshop on February 2, 2013. Manila Workshops is holding the workshop and I have seen the course outline. I am really excited for them to learn from the class. I am starting to fill their documents, too (pay slips, etc.).

How about you? What are your thoughts on the Kasambahay Bill? Love to hear them!