President Marcos signs caregiver welfare law

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos has signed into law a measure that aims to protect the rights and promote the welfare of caregivers. 

The Caregiver Welfare Act or Republic Act 11965 was enacted last Nov. 23, documents released by Malacañang yesterday showed.

It will take effect 15 days upon publication in the Official Gazette, or in at least two newspapers of general circulation.

The law declared it a policy of the state to protect the rights of the caregivers toward decent employment and income and adhere to a policy of protecting them against abuse, harassment, violence and economic exploitation. 

It covers caregivers working in the Philippines in private homes, nursing or care facilities and other residential settings.

The law states that the working hours of caregivers will be based on their employment contract. They will be entitled to receive overtime pay for work beyond the daily eight working hours and to night shift differential. Their minimum wage should not be less than the one applicable in the region.

Caregivers who have rendered at least one month of service are entitled to 13th month pay, which will be paid not later than Dec. 24 of every year, or upon separation from employment.

They are also entitled to five days’ leave with pay for those who have rendered at least one year of service.

The law also provides caregivers with Social Security System, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG and all benefits under the law.

A caregiver may end a contract before its expiration if he or she is experiencing verbal or emotional abuse, and inhumane treatment and physical abuse.