VP Binay: Kasambahay Law to benefit 2.5M household workers

Vice President Jejomar Binay on Thursday welcomed President Benigno Aquino III's signing of the "Kasambahay Bill" into law, saying it is a big step in the right direction for some 2.5 million household workers. In a post on his Facebook account, Binay said the Kasambahay Law - Republic Act No. 10361 - gives Filipino household workers the "respect and dignity they deserve." "I am glad that President Aquino has signed the Bill into Law. This only shows the administration’s commitment to provide maximum protection to and uphold the dignity and welfare of our household workers—this is a big step in the right direction," he said. The Kasambahay Act pegs the minimum salaries and benefits of household employees. Reps. Jose Victor Ejercito (San Juan) and Jack Enrile (Cagayan), who were proponents of the measure in the House of Representatives, also welcomed the signing. Ejercito said this is "the best gift we can give at the start of the New Year for these hardworking men and women who tend to our homes and take care of our children." For his part, Enrile said the work is not over yet. "We need to make sure that the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of this milestone measure will be properly enforced. I therefore extend my hand to President Aquino in whatever capacity to help fulfill the true spirit of this new law," Enrile said. He also thanked fellow lawmakers in the House of Representatives and the Senate who supported the bill during its evolution in Congress. - VVP, GMA News