Kasambahay bill suffers setback in bicam

MANILA, Philippines - Senate President Pro-Tempore Jinggoy Estrada yesterday expressed his frustration over the Kasambahay bill that suffered some setbacks during the bicameral conference after senators and congressmen disagreed on placing a minimum salary of P3,000 for household workers in Metro Manila.

Estrada revealed his counterparts at the House of Representatives wanted the regional wage boards to decide on the minimum salaries of “kasambahay” (housemaids).

“I am growing impatient about the Kasambahay bill which has been there from the 13th to 15th  Congress,” he said.

Estrada maintained his version of the bill is a pro-poor measure where some two million housemaids are expected to benefit nationwide.

Estrada is appealing to Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II, as well as Rep. Emil Ong, chairman of the House committee on labor and employment, to help the Senate in reaching an agreeable compromise to have the Kasambahay bill approved into law by yearend.

In a radio interview, Estrada said he is amenable if the standard salary for housemaids will not be lower than P3,000 in Metro Manila, and that the regional wage board will determine subsequent adjustments a year after the law is passed.  

For chartered cities, the Senate wants P2,500 and at least P2,000 for those working as housemaids in far flung areas.