Manila, Philippines – The Institute for Labor Studies (ILS) joined key government agencies for the 2nd Briefing Session on New Social Legislators/Issuances Covering Domestic Workers which was held last June 18 at the Occupational Safety and Health Center Conference Room in North Ave., Diliman, Quezon City.

Mr. Ivan Cassidy F. Villena, Labor and Employment Officer III from the Labor and Social Relations Division represented the Institute. He was joined be representatives from the following government agencies: Social Security System (SSS), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHILHEALTH), Bureau of Working Conditions (BWC), National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB), Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns (BWSC), Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF aka PAG IBIG Fund), Bureau of Labor Relations (BLR), and Department of Labor and Employment – National Capital Region (DOLE-NCR) office.

The event, which was organized by the BWSC, aimed to provide updates to focal persons for domestic workers from selected national government agencies, including Government Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) on the new social legislations and DOLE issuances covering domestic workers, specifically those legislation and issuances pertinent to the implementation of Republic Act 10361 (RA 10361) also known as the “Batas Kasambahay.”

During the program, resource persons from the Social Security System (SSS) and DOLE Offices have presented updates on the implementation of the basic social security programs of the government and dispute resolution mechanisms that the ‘kasambahays’ may resort to in cases of monetary claims.

Pertinent legislations that were discussed include: Republic Act 11210 known as the “Expanded Maternity Leave Benefit Law”; Mandatory Benefits under RA 10361, Kasambahay leave benefits under DOLE Labor Advisory 10, series of 2018; Social Security coverage of househelpers,
domestic workers, and kasambahay under Republic Act No. 1161 (Social Security Act)  as amended; and Unemployment Insurance or Involuntary Separation Benefit under RA 11199 (Social Security Act of 2018).

Insights from this briefing session will be used in support of an ongoing research conducted by the Institute concerning the implementation of the “Kasambahay Law.”

The Institute for Labor Studies (ILS) is the policy research and advocacy arm of the Department of Labor and Employment. For more information on this story, please contact the Advocacy and Publications Division at 527-3590.