Bong Go: Caregivers deserve better wages, benefits
Published Mar 26, 2023 08:44 am
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has reiterated his call for Congress to expedite the passage of the proposed Caregivers’ Welfare Act or Senate Bill no. 2261, as he stressed the need to provide caregivers better wages and benefits.
Go, who co-sponsored the bill, cited the fact Filipino caregivers are known in the world for their dedication and skill at work, marked by loving and caring for others “even if they are not our blood or family members.”
“That's how our caregivers work, the care they pour is equal to their love for their family,” Go said.
“As the Chair of the 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,” he said.
“We cannot deny the hard work of a caregiver. They often leave their families behind to support their loved ones. Their hard work in life includes the sadness of being separated from their family,” Go stressed.
The measure primarily 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.
The bill seeks to 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 license 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 bill.
“The bill also reiterated the grant of 13th month pay, leave benefits, and other benefits provided by law, and basic necessities for the caregiver,” Go said.
“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,” he added.
At the same time, Go thanked the Senate Committee on Labor and Employment, headed by Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, for coming up with this measure that will give due recognition to caregivers for their service to our society.