DOLE to consult netizens on rules for 'Kasambahay Law'

Netizens will get to have their say on the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 10361 or the "Kasambahay Law," which President Benigno Aquino III recently signed, the Department of Labor and Employment said Friday.

 

DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz had the draft IRRs posted on the DOLE website so the public who see it online can give their suggestions, remarks, and general input.

 

“The online posting of the IRR on the Batas Kasambahay will provide the general public a venue to study the IRR and make comment/s or suggestion/s on its final version. It will give Filipino netizens a channel to express their views on the landmark document after years of legislative struggle,” Baldoz said.

 

She said this is aside from nationwide "face-to-face" group consultations with all relevant stakeholders scheduled for the whole month of April.

 

As of Friday night, the document was available as a PDF file at DOLE's site.

 

Baldoz said they decided to seek comments online as "even some DOLE officials and employees and members of the media have raised questions on the Batas Kasambahay which need to be addressed and clarified."

 

“We want the public and our partners to get involved in shaping the implementing rules of this social legislation. By doing so, we hope to solicit not only valuable inputs, but also support, which will make the law's implementation effective and smooth," she said.

 

The law, which was signed by President Benigno Aquino III last January 18, aims to benefit some 2.9 million Filipino domestic helpers.

 

It "institutionalizes the provision of a comprehensive package of benefits to Filipino household service workers, including their entitlement to 13th month pay; service incentive leaves; and social welfare benefits such as SSS, PAG-IBIG, and PhilHealth," the DOLE said.

 

Also, it helps the Philippines fulfill its obligation to enact a national legislation in compliance with the International Labor Organization’s (ILO) adoption of Convention 189.

 

The ILO convention sets new international standards for the protection of household helpers. – KDM, GMA News