Brgys reminded to implement Kasambahay Law

CEBU, Philippines - The Talisay City Council has enjoined all 22 barangay captains to strictly observe and implement the provisions of the Republic Act 10361 or the Domestic Workers Act or “Batas Kasambahay.”

City councilor Aldin Diaz, chairman of the Committee on Labor, said barangay chairmen should take the lead in registering kasambahays or house helpers in their respective jurisdictions.

In a recent council session, Diaz said house helpers have an important role in the society and need to be recognized.

Diaz said it is urgent for barangay chairmen to keep records of all domestic workers who are employed within their areas.

Diaz also said barangay officials should require every employer to register domestic workers under his/her employment in kasambahay masterlist or the registry of domestic workers.

Under the law, employers are also required to pay wages of domestic workers in cash, as well as to provide them pay slips.

According to the law, the minimum wage for domestic workers is set at P2,000 a month in chartered cities and first class municipalities; and P1,500 a month for those employed in other municipalities.

House helpers are also mandated as well to enter into a contract with their domestic workers.

Aside from the monthly minimum wage, the other mandatory benefits of a kasambahay under the new law include five days of annual service incentive leave with pay, 13th month pay and daily rest period of eight hours.

After one month from employment, a kasambahay shall be covered by the Social Security System, Employees Compensation Commission, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and Pag-IBIG.  (FREEMAN)