UNA key proponents laud PNoy for landmark law

‘Kasambahay Law, big step in the right direction’ – Binay

By OVP Media
January 24, 2013

MANILA  –  Vice President Jejomar C. Binay and candidates of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) today described President Aquino's signing into law of the Kasambahay Bill as a major step in giving respect and dignity to some 2.5 million household workers or ‘kasambahays’.

"The Kasambahay Law signed by President Aquino gives our household workers the respect and dignity they deserve," Binay said.

"I am glad that President Aquino has signed the Bill into Law. This only shows the administration’s commitment to provide maximum protection to and uphold the dignity and welfare of our household workers – this is a big step in the right direction," said the Vice President who is likewise the concurrent chairman of UNA.

San Juan Rep. JV Ejercito and Cagayan Rep. Jack Enrile, who are both running under UNA in the 2013 senatorial elections, are the main proponents of Republic Act No. 10361, or “An Act Instituting Policies for the Protection and Welfare of Domestic Workers”, or simply known as the “Kasambahay Act”.

Ejercito said, "this is the best gift we can give at the start of the new year for these hardworking men and women who tend to our homes and take care of our children."

The Kasambahay Act ensures the rights and welfare of the estimated 2.5 million domestic workers all over the country that similarly pegs the minimum salaries and benefits of household employees.

Co-proponent Jack Enrile said that “this is a landmark piece of legislation which took Congress 15 years to enact into law. This is just the beginning – our work is not over yet. We need to make sure that the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of this milestone measure will be properly enforced. I therefore extend my hand to President Aquino in whatever capacity to help fulfill the true spirit of this new law. I also want to thank all the other legislators in the House of Representatives and the Senate who supported the bill during its evolution in Congress, and are equally happy with the turn of events.”

UNA senatorial bet Nancy Binay said that “the Kasambahay Act sets forth the rights and interests of the domestic household sector within the full protection of the State.”

Former Sen. Dick Gordon likewise hailed the passage of the Kasambahay Law and described it as a “real milestone” in the long struggle of the domestic workers to gain the recognition that they deserve.

He mentioned that it is about time that government provides them with social benefits that have long been overdue. "This is not just about money, it is also about according the kasambahay the dignity that they richly deserve.”

UNA senatorial bet Mitos Magsaysay also welcomed the development. “I am glad it has finally been signed into law as we worked on this bill for quite some time.”