Zambo City strengthens ‘Batas Kasambahay’

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan 21 (PIA) – After the enactment of RA 10361 or Batas Kasambahay, the City Government of Zamboanga also passed a local City Ordinance 586 to further strengthen the law in the protection of kasambahays in the city.

Through the ordinance, a kasambahay adjudication board was also created where all concerns and complaints of kasambahays will be prioritized. The City Government puts premium to the welfare and assistance to kasambahays including livelihood program and emergency employment. 

Department of Labor and Employment 9 (DOLE 9) Chief Labor and Employment Officer Engr. Wesley Tan elaborates some important provisions of the Batas Kasambahay, where one is the implementation of minimum wage for kasambahays. 

For Region 9, in highly urbanized city or first class municipalities it requires a Php3,500 minimum wage and for second class municipalities below is Php3,000. Kasambahays are also entitled for 13th month pay.

Kasambahays are entitled for a rest day and a daily 8 hours per day rest period and most importantly employers are mandated to provide SSS, Philhealth and Pag-Ibig registration. 

“Through this law, we upgrade the dignity of our kasambahays,” Engr. Tan added.

It is important that the kasambahays have contract with their employers and also registered in their barangays. 

DOLE 9 emphasizes that the Local Government Units must have database for all kasambahays which will help in providing assistance and services for them.

In line with this law, the city also observes Kasambahay Day every 18th of January of every year. Amidst the pandemic, DOLE 9 together with other partner agencies conducted activities for the kasambahay day, to include entertainment and learning sessions for the kasambahays last Sunday (January 16, 2022).

“We are advocating this law, to let the kasambahays and employers about their rights, we should always protect their rights and value the efforts of our kasambahays,” Engr. Tan said. (RVC/MLE/PIA9-Zamboanga City)