Bill for domestic workers non-working holiday approved in House

March 17, 2018

Voting 225-0 without abstention, the House of Representatives this week approved  on third and final reading House Bill 6285, seeking to declare January 18 of every year a special non-working holiday for the “kasambahay” or domestic workers in the entire country.

Majority Floor Leader Rodolfo Fariñas, principal author of the bill, said the nationwide celebration shall be known as “Araw ng Kasambahay” in due recognition and appreciation for the invaluable service rendered by the kasambahay in  every family and home.

He explained that under Section 39 of Republic Act (RA) No. 10361, known as the “Domestic Workers Act” or “Batas Kasambahay”, the date upon which the president shall approve the law shall be designated as the “Araw ng mga Kasambahay”.

The Domestic Workers Act was signed into law on January 18, 2013.

Fariñas said before the passage of RA 10361, there were 2.9 million domestic household workers in the country who grappled with harsh conditions.

“This labor and social landmark legislation embodies the recognition of domestic workers as heroes in our households whose rights and welfare should be strengthened, protected and promoted,” he said.

The bill said if the “Araw ng Kasambahay” falls on a weekend, the special nonworking holiday shall be observed on the Friday of that week.   It also mandates the Secretary of Labor and Employment, in coordination with the Secretary of Education and Director-General of the Philippine Information Agency, to plan and implement activities for the continuing dissemination and information campaign to honor the kasambahay. DMS