The House of Representatives on Monday passed on third and final reading a bill proposing to institute policies for the protection and welfare of caregivers in the practice of their profession.
With 221 affirmative votes, House Bill 153 or the Caregivers Welfare Act was approved on final reading and will be endorsed for action in the Senate.
Sponsored on the floor by the Committee on Labor and Employment chaired by 1Pacman Partylist Rep. Eric Pineda, HB 153 won unanimous approval for its noble objective of protecting the welfare of caregivers.
HB 153 consolidated legislative proposals filed by Reps. Jericho Jonas Nograles (PBA Partylist) and Michael Edgar Aglipay (DIWA Partylist).
The bill enumerates the pre-employment requirements for caregivers and requires an employment contract between the caregiver and the employer.
Covered by the protective mantle of the measure are caregivers employed locally and abroad.
HB 153 lists the specific benefits that are due to caregivers as soon as they become employed. Included are insurance and leave benefits, social security and medical insurance under the Social Security System and the Philippine health insurance laws.
Under the bill, the caregiver may terminate a contract prior to expiration under the following reasons: verbal or emotional abuse; inhuman treatment and commission of a crime or offense against the caregiver by the employer, client or any member of the household.
However, employers also have the right to fire a caregiver for misconduct or willful disobedience, gross neglect in the performance of duty , and fraud or willful breach of trust, among others.
Private employment agencies are prohibited from charging placement fees from the caregiver and are directed to ensure that employment contracts stipulate the terms and conditions provided by the measure.
A system of licensing and regulation to protect caregivers is also mandated.
“This bill seeks to institute policies to maintain excellent and globally competitive standards for the caregiver professional service and for the protection and welfare of caregivers in the Philippines,” said Nograles.
He noted that there has been a continued rise in demand for caregiving service in the country and abroad.
“The important role of caregivers in national development must also be recognized and policies in the practice of the caregiving profession must be instituted to protect caregivers from abuse and exploitation,” Nograles stressed.