Press Release
January 12, 2014

Nancy files bills beefing up 'Kasambahay Law'
Medical, dental discounts, educational privileges for domestic workers

Senator Nancy Binay recently filed two bills giving more benefits and additional rights for domestic workers, expanding the "Batas Kasambahay" or Republic Act No. 110361.

In Senate Bill No. 2009, dubbed as "Discount Benefits of Domestic Workers Act of 2013," Senator Binay proposed mandating medical and dental establishments and institutions to provide 20% discounts on any sale of goods and services for medicine, medical and dental services for any domestic worker and her/his immediate kin.

Binay likewise proposed giving tax incentives to employers who will let their kasambahays attend school, finish their studies or undergo training under Senate Bill No. 2005 or the "Kasambahay Empowerment Act of 2013," provided that the employer will shoulder their tuition and other related expenses.

"In the Filipino family setting, our kasambahays play an integral role in the growth and management of the household. They take care of our kids, they make our food and they prepare everything we need. They are an integral support system that we usually take for granted," Binay noted

"I believe that these are means for us to strengthen the rights of domestic workers. We not only support their advancement and welfare but also empower them by elevating their condition of living. With all their help and care for us, it is only fitting that we also give importance to their needs like medical care and education," Binay added.

SB No. 2009 also proposes that all qualified domestic workers who avail of discounted medical and dental goods or services are entitled to get either the provided 20% discount or the establishment's offered discount or whichever is higher or which is more favorable.

On the other hand, SB No. 2005 entitles an employer to a tax deduction up to P20,000 from his gross income for all expenses incurred for the education and training of their employed domestic worker. These expenses may include basic tuition fees, transportation expenses, books and other supplies and other related costs.

"I intend that these bills not only favor our domestic helpers but also encourage employers to partake in the law by way of incentives. We not only empower our kasambahays, we also reward homeowners. I believe that this arrangement is most beneficial for the family and will ultimately strengthen our country's basic family system," she noted.

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