SP Pushes for ‘Kasambahay’ Registration

The Cebu Provincial Board recently backed the strict implementation of Republic Act 10361, otherwise known as Batas Kasambahay or the Domestic Workers Act, especially the mandatory registration requirement of house helpers for the registry of domestic workers or masterlist.

During its regular session on Monday, first district board member Raul Bacaltos said many barangays in the province has failed to conduct the required registration.

In his resolution, Bacaltos said the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has issued a memorandum on January 18, 2013 mandating the registration of house helpers.

“Many barangays failed to initiate the conduct of the registration of all domestic workers within their jurisdictions,” Hon. Bacaltos wrote.

He added that under the said law, barangay officials should require every employer to register domestic workers under his/her employment in Kasambahay masterlist.

The Punong Barangay, through an Executive Order, shall designate Kasambahay Desk Officers who shall be tasked to manage the Kasambahay Desks, the resolution read.

Under the Republic Act 10361, employers are prohibited to employ children below 15 years of age.

Among other unlawful acts include employers withholding kasambahay’s wages, and placing the kasambahay under debt bondage.

The kasambahays are also entitled to a monthly minimum wage of P2,000 for cities and 1st class municipalities, and P1,500 for other municipalities.