(SPOT.ph) Let's face it: domestic work is often undervalued and underappreciated in our society. Despite the vital role that kasambahays play in many Filipino households, they are often subject to exploitation, abuse, and unfair treatment. On January 18, 2013, the Philippine government enacted the Kasambahay Act (also known as Republic Act No. 10361), a landmark piece of legislation that seeks to protect the rights of domestic workers and ensure that they are treated fairly and with respect. But nearly a decade later, there is the question if the society is doing enough to uphold the provisions of the law. We’ll take a closer look at the Kasambahay Act, its impact on domestic workers, and the challenges that remain in ensuring its full implementation.
A kasambahay is a domestic worker who is employed in a household as a stay-in or a stay-out helper. They are the housekeepers, cooks, gardeners, and nannies, among others. Their duties can vary depending on the household's needs and the arrangement that both parties agree upon before the official start of the employment period.
The Kasambahay Act provides guidelines for the employment of domestic workers. It defines the minimum standards for their treatment and compensation, and covers a range of issues that may be encountered during the employment period. Some of these include working hours, rest periods, wages,...
Over the last year, beyond traditional healthcare and federal procurement matters, the government has pursued federal False Claims Act (FCA) investigations and enforcement across high-risk areas, i...