Recent News

Kasambahay Law Takes Effect Today, June 3, 2013

The newly-enacted Republic Act 10361 or the Kasambahay Law aims to specifically address issues concerning the employment, rights and obligations, and working conditions of domestic household helpers across the country.

A domestic worker or kasambahay is defined under the Kasambahay Law as “any person engaged in domestic work within an employment relationship such as, but not limited to, the following: general househelp, nursemaid or “yaya”, cook, gardener, or laundry person, but shall exclude any person who performs domestic work only occasionally or sporadically and not on an occupational basis.” This new definition is more specific than the “necessary and desirable” services that are the benchmark of domestic service in the Labor Code.

The new law also makes explicit certain rights and obligations of domestic house helpers which were not included under the Labor Code. Among other rights and privileges, a house helper is entitled to: board, lodging, and medical attendance; coverage under the SSS, PAG-IBIG, and PhilHealth; access to outside communication; privacy with regard to personal property and communication; and education and training opportunities.

The Kasambahay Law sets minimum wage of house helpers employed in Metro Manila at P2,500 per month; P2,000 in cities and first-class municipalities; and P1,500 in other municipalities.
Violation of any of the provisions of the Kasambahay Law is punishable by a fine of P10,000-P40,000, without prejudice to the filing of the proper civil or criminal action by the kasambahay.