President Marcos has signed into law policies that seek to protect the rights and welfare of domestic caregivers.

Marcos signed Republic Act (RA) No. 11965, or the "Caregiver Welfare Act," on Nov. 23, 2023.

In signing the law, the President recognized the need to protect the rights of the caregivers towards decent employment and income and adhere to a policy of protecting them against abuse, harassment, violence, and economic exploitation.

The 12-page law covers the following workers:

• Caregivers employed and working within the country in private homes, nursing or care facilities, and other residential settings
• Caregivers, whether directly hired by the employer or placed through the Public Employment Services Office (PESO) and Private Employment Agency (PEA)

The new law states that the caregivers' working hours will be based on their employment contract, as they will be entitled to overtime pay for work beyond the daily eight working hours and a night shift differential with a minimum wage not less than the applicable minimum wage in the region.

Caregivers who have rendered at least one month of service are entitled to a 13th-month pay, paid by Dec. 24 of every year, or upon separation from employment.

Those who have rendered at least a year of service shall receive at least five days of leave credits with pay.

They are also covered with other benefits such as SSS contributions, PhilHealth, Pag-Ibig, and "all benefits in accordance with the pertinent provisions provided by law."

A caregiver may terminate their contract at any time before its expiration if they are suffering from physical, verbal, or emotional abuse and inhumane treatment.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) shall craft the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Caregiver Act in coordination with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and other concerned agencies for the effective implementation of the law.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), in coordination with the DOLE, TESDA, and other agencies, "shall issue the rules and regulations for the recruitment and deployment of Filipino caregivers for overseas employment to ensure their protection, including their reintegration."

The Caregiver Welfare Act will take effect 15 days upon publication in the Official Gazette or at least two general circulation newspapers.