Kasambahay Law takes effect on June 3

MANILA, Philippines - Employers who treat their househelpers badly, beware.         

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said the Kasambahay law, which provides protection and better working conditions for household workers, will take effect on June 3.        

Baldoz said the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the law came out in The STAR on Sunday and would be effective after 15 days.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine National Police, Social Security System, Pag-Ibig Fund and PhilHealth signed the IRR.

Baldoz said hiring of househelpers would now be covered by an employment contract based on a model to be developed by the labor department.

SSS, PhilHealth and Pag-Ibig coverage is also mandatory for a kasambahay who has rendered at least one month of service.

Under the IRR, the employer shall register a kasambahay under his or her employment in their respective barangays. The barangay shall submit the list to the local government unit, which in turn will submit it to the DILG for monitoring.

The municipal or city social welfare officer in coordination  with barangay officials shall rescue an abused domestic worker.

Abuses against kasambahays include physical, sexual and psychological violence and economic abuse such as withholding the salary.