Senator Christopher “Bong” Go expressed his commitment to helping all Filipino caregivers when he co-sponsored Senate Bill (SB) No.2261, known as the proposed Caregivers’ Welfare Act.
The measure has already been passed on third reading in the House of Representatives.
“As the chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the invaluable contribution of our Filipino caregivers to the healthcare industry,’’ Go explained in his co-sponsorship speech inserted into the records during the regular Senate Session on Wednesday.
The bill seeks to implement guidelines for the preparation and execution of employment contracts, the submission of pre-employment requirements, hours of work, minimum wage, payment of wages, leave benefits, other benefits, non-diminution of benefits, settlement of disputes.
Furthermore, if passed, it shall ensure privileged information and communication between the caregiver and their client, protection of the caregiver from unjust termination of service, and protection of caregivers hired through private employment agencies.
All those who are in the actual practice of caregiving – professional health care providers who are licensed holders, graduates of caregiving courses or any allied healthcare course, and those who have been certified as competent by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) will be covered under the proposed measure.
“The bill also reiterated the grant of 13th month pay, leave benefits, and other benefits provided by law, and basic necessities for the caregiver. Protection is also provided in case of unjust dismissal or termination of service by the employer of the caregiver and a mechanism on the settlement of disputes,” Go explained.
“I congratulate the committee on labor, headed by its chairperson, Senator Jinggoy Estrada, for coming up with this measure that will give due recognition to caregivers for their service to our society,” he expressed.
Senator Go has successfully authored and co-sponsored the Senate version of Republic Act (RA) 11641 which created the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
The creation of DMW is the consolidated version of an earlier measure he filed which sought to create the Department of Overseas Filipino Workers, ensuring the efficient and effective delivery of key government services. The Act streamlines the organization and functions of all government agencies related to overseas employment and migration through the creation of the DMW.