Kasambahay Bill Debate
Inrtoduction:
Domestic workers are called a friendly term in Manila "Kasambahay": to emphasize they are part of the household. The bill is yet to be signed in Congress to provide legal recognition for the domestic workers and recognize the important role that Kasambahay plays in the building of the family and of society. Filipinos oftentimes depend on the services of domestic house helpers for the orderly management of their households. Unfortunately, even if they perform vital day-to-day functions, domestic house helpers are often mistreated subjected to physical and mental abuse and made to work under inhuman and brutal working conditions. Although there are existing labor laws which seek to protect house helpers from these abuses, their implementation has been widely ignored. Moreover, these laws have become inadequate to fully address the concerns and needs of our house helpers. The kasambahay has the right to decent work which includes decent employment and income, humane conditions of work, access to and coverage in social protection schemes, and the opportunity for social dialogue and representation. This bill also recognizes the dignity and the nobility of the household helper industry.
Under this proposed legislation, the rights and interests of household helper are enhanced and protected by ensuring just and equitable terms and conditions of their employment are embodied in their contract with their employers.
This proposed legislation is an affirmation of the value and dignity of every person and guarantee full respect for human rights.
Body:
Affirmative:
The bill will ensure that household helpers will be provided with basic necessities and other benefits.With House BillNo. 6144, or the"Kasambahay Bill" passing its third and final reading in the House of Representatives, around two million domestic workers might soon enjoy standardized minimum wage and other basic benefits like health care, vacation leaves, and basic
Domestic workers are called a friendly term in Manila "Kasambahay": to emphasize they are part of the household. The bill is yet to be signed in Congress to provide legal recognition for the domestic workers and recognize the important role that Kasambahay plays in the building of the family and of society. Filipinos oftentimes depend on the services of domestic house helpers for the orderly management of their households. Unfortunately, even if they perform vital day-to-day functions, domestic house helpers are often mistreated subjected to physical and mental abuse and made to work under inhuman and brutal working conditions. Although there are existing labor laws which seek to protect house helpers from these abuses, their implementation has been widely ignored. Moreover, these laws have become inadequate to fully address the concerns and needs of our house helpers. The kasambahay has the right to decent work which includes decent employment and income, humane conditions of work, access to and coverage in social protection schemes, and the opportunity for social dialogue and representation. This bill also recognizes the dignity and the nobility of the household helper industry.
Under this proposed legislation, the rights and interests of household helper are enhanced and protected by ensuring just and equitable terms and conditions of their employment are embodied in their contract with their employers.
This proposed legislation is an affirmation of the value and dignity of every person and guarantee full respect for human rights.
Body:
Affirmative:
The bill will ensure that household helpers will be provided with basic necessities and other benefits.With House BillNo. 6144, or the"Kasambahay Bill" passing its third and final reading in the House of Representatives, around two million domestic workers might soon enjoy standardized minimum wage and other basic benefits like health care, vacation leaves, and basic