DOLE starts consultations on rescue, rehab of abused domestic workers

While admitting that a unified registration system for domestic workers may take some time to materialize, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) initiated consultations on the rescue and rehabilitation of abused domestic workers. DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said the other concerned government agencies are still preparing to sign a memorandum of understanding on a unified registration for helpers. “I have instructed DOLE Undersecretary for Social Protection Ciriaco Lagunzad to initiate consultation with the Departments of Interior and Local Government and Social Welfare and Development, National Bureau of Investigation, and the Philippine National Police as part of the DOLE’s initiative towards a coordinated and responsive effort in providing necessary assistance to abused kasambahay,” Baldoz said in a news release. She said the unified registration system for workers may have to wait until three government agencies sign a memorandum of understanding on the matter. “The unified registration system for kasambahay will have to wait a little for the signing by the three government agencies of an MOU on the unified registration system,” she said. Under Section 31 of R.A. 10361, the Kasambahay Law, any abused or exploited domestic worker shall be immediately rescued by the municipal, or city social welfare officer of the DSWD in coordination with barangay officials. The DSWD and DILG will also develop a standard operating procedure for the rescue and rehabilitation of abused domestic workers. They will also coordinate with the DOLE on providing possible job placements for them. Baldoz noted the MOU among the Social Security System, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG Fund should specify the responsibilities of the three agencies on the unified registration system. Once in place, she said the unified registration system will make it convenient for employers to register their helpers with the SSS, PhilHealth, and the Pag-IBIG Fund, as they need not deal individually with each agency. “Once an employer has registered his kasambahay with the SSS, all pertinent information will be shared with the Pag-IBIG and PhilHealth which information will serve as basis for the two other agencies in registering the same kasambahay,” she said. Meanwhile, Baldoz said the DILG has issued Memorandum Circular No. 2013-61, specifying guidelines for the registration of the kasambahays in barangays. She said the DILG circular will be a guide for all city and municipal mayors, punong barangay, and others concerned in establishing a local registry of kasambahay as required by the law. - VVP, GMA News