TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES —_)
First Regular

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

House Bill No._2476_

Introduced by Hon. Antonio B. Legarda, Jr.

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR BENEFITS AND PRIVILEGES TO UNPAID CARE
WORKERS AND THEIR FAMILIES, APPROPRIATING FUNDS
THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Every day, an estimated 16 billion hours of unpaid care work are performed
globally — equivalent to 9% of global GDP or US§11 trillion annually,” according to the
International Labour Organization (ILO). This labor, essential yet invisible, is
overwhelmingly done by women and girls.?

In the Philippines, this gendered burden is deeply entrenched. The University
of Oxford’s Young Lives Study (2025) reports that by age 29, Filipino women perform
three times more unpaid care work than men, spending 4.5 to 5.3 hours daily. This
imbalance begins early and persists throughout their lives.

As highlighted during Oxfam Pilipinas’ EmpowerHer Campaign (April 2025),
the heavy and unequal distribution of care responsibilities is a key factor behind the
declining participation of women in the labor force.’ Many women are forced to exit
or forego formal employment due to unrecognized and unsupported caregiving roles.
Unpaid care work fills the gap left by inadequate social services — from childcare to

elder care. At their own expense, women sustain families and communities, effectively

* Retrieved June 26, 2025 from: lin»
vps pa

2 Tid.
*hups_oxtant org ob



subsidizing the broader economy. Yet despite its immense value, this work remains
unrecognized, unmeasured, and uncompensated.

This bill seeks to formally recognize unpaid care work and provide care
workers—primarily women—with access to a comprehensive package of social
development and welfare services, benefits, and protections. It affirms that care is not
merely a private duty, but an economic and social function deserving state support.
The measure also strengthens inter-agency coordination, with the Department of
Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) designated to lead implementation as a
member of the Social Development Committee under the Economy and Development
Council.

Recognizing, valuing, and supporting unpaid care work is not only a matter of
justice—it is a prerequisite for inclusive recovery, gender equality, and sustainable
development.

In line with the policy espoused by its original proponent, Senator Loren
Legarda, this bill is being introduced as a counterpart measure. In view of the

foregoing, the immediate passage of this measure is earnestly sought.

HON.., ATONIG ntoape Re


TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES —_)
First Regular Session )
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Z
House Bill No. 2476

Introduced by Hon. Antonio B. Legarda, Jr.

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR BENEFITS AND PRIVILEGES TO UNPAID CARE
WORKERS AND THEIR FAMILIES, APPROPRIATING FUNDS
THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Unpaid Care Workers
Equity and Empowerment Act.”

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to promote a just and
dynamic social order that will ensure the prosperity and independence of the nation
and free the people from poverty through policies that provide adequate social
services, promote full employment, a rising standard of living, and an improved
quality of life for all.

The State likewise values the dignity of every human person and recognizes
the role of women in nation-building. Towards this end, the State shall ensure full
respect for human rights and the fundamental equality of men and women in the eyes
of the law.

Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. ~ As used in this Act, the following terms shall be
defined as follows:

(a) “Care work” consists of the following activities:
(1) Direct, personal, and relational care activities, such as taking care of
the children, tending to the elderly or persons with disabilities,
nursing an ill member of the household; and/or


(2) Indirect care activities, such as, among others, production of goods
and services for the exclusive use of the household, domestic work

like cleaning, cooking, and other household chores;

(b) “Unpaid care work” refers to care work provided by unpaid care

workers for members of his or her household without monetary reward.
Unpaid care work is still considered work and is thus a crucial

dimension of the world of work;

(©) “Unpaid care worker” (UCW) refers to any individual who performs

unpaid care work as defined in this Act;

(d) “Household” refers to the immediate members of the family or the

occupants of the house who are directly and regularly provided services

by the unpaid care worker;

(e) “Children” refer to those living with the unpaid care worker and

dependent on him/her for support, who are single and unmarried,
unemployed, and below eighteen (18) years of age, or those over 18 years
of age but are unable to fully take care of themselves or protect
themselves from abuse, neglect, cruelty, exploitation or discrimination

because of a physical or mental disability or condition;

(f) “Disabled persons” refers to those suffering from the restriction of

different abilities, a result of mental, physical, or sensory impairment, to
perform an activity in the manner or within the range considered normal
for a human being as provided by Republic Act No. 7277, as amended,
otherwise known as the “Magna Carta for Disabled Persons;” and

(g) “Parental responsibility” refers to the rights and duties of parents with

respect to their children as defined in Article 220 of Executive Order No.
209, as amended, otherwise known as the “Family Code of the Philippines.”

Sec. 4. Criteria for Support. ~ Any person who possesses either of the following
qualifications may avail of the benefits and privileges provided for under this Act:

(a) Any spouse living with the household, primarily performing unpaid
care work as defined by this Act for at least 20 hours per week, and is:
(1) Atleast eighteen (18) years of age but not more than sixty (60) years

of age; and


Seowiui dane un

12
13
4
1S

7
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
a
28
29
30
3t
32

(2) Must have legally contracted marriage;

(b) Any family member living with the houschold, and primarily
performing unpaid care work as defined by this Act; or

(©) Any individual living with the household, and primarily performing
unpaid care work as defined by this Act.

Employment, whether part-time or full-time, shall not disqualify these
individuals from claiming benefits under this Act: Provided, further, That only one (1)
individual may qualify as a UCW for every household.

Sec. 5 Disqualifications - The following shall not be qualified to avail the benefits
of this Act:

(a) Individuals convicted by final judgment for an offense involving moral
turpitude shall not be qualified;

(b) A change in the status or circumstance of the UCW claiming benefits
under this Act placing him or her outside the definition of a UCW shall
terminate his or her eligibility for these benefits; and

(©) Those receiving similar benefits as a Solo Parent or Senior Citizen.

Sec. 6, Lead Implementing Agency - The Department of Social Welfare and
Development (DSWD) shall serve as the lead implementing agency of this Act. In the
exercise of this mandate, the DSWD shall:

{a) Develop and implement policies, programs, and services under this Act
and coordinate with the appropriate national government agencies and
local government units;

(b) Study the viability of creating a national registry of unpaid care workers;

() Formulate policies and strategies for the implementation of this Act,
which should be raised to and reviewed through the Social
Development Committee under the Economy and Development
Council under Republic Act No. 12145. For this purpose, the DSWD
shall consult with the following:

(a) Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) as the Vice-
Chairperson;

(b) Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA);

(c) Commission on Human Rights (CHR);

3


(d) Department of Health (DOH);

(e) Department of Education (DepEd);

(8, Commission on Higher Education (CHED);

(g) Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA);

(h) Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE);

(i) Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG); and

(j) Department of Budget and Management.

Sec. 7. Comprehensive Package of Social Development and Welfare Services for Unpaid

Care Workers. - A Comprehensive Package of Social Development and Welfare
Services for UCWs, hereinafter referred to as the UCW Comprehensive Package, is
hereby established for the benefit of qualified UCWs and their families. The DSWD,
in partnership with the appropriate agencies, shall lead the implementation of the
UCW Comprehensive Package, in coordination with LGUs, non-government
organizations, people’s organizations, and other key stakeholders. At the minimum,
the package shall include:

(a) Livelihood development services, including, but not limited to, training
programs on livelihood skills, basic business management, value
orientation, and the provision of seed capital for self-employed UCWs
or job placement in flexible work opportunities;

(b) Counseling services, including, but not limited to, individual, peer group,
or family counseling. This will focus on conflict resolution in personal
relationships;

(c) Parent effectiveness services, including, but not limited to, the provision
and expansion of knowledge and skills of the UCWs and the members
of their households on early childhood development, behavior
management, health care, and the rights and duties of parents and
children;

(d) Child and elderly care support services, including, but not limited to, the
establishment of elderly care centers, breastfeeding centers, and day-

care centers;


(©) Critical incidence stress debriefing, including, but not limited to,
preventive stress management strategies designed to assist UCWs in
coping with crisis situations and cases of abuse; and

(f) Special projects for individuals in need of protection, including, but not
limited to, temporary shelter, counseling, legal assistance, medical care,
self-concept or ego-building, crisis management, and spiritual
enrichment.

Sec. 8. Privileges for Unpaid Care Workers. ~ In consideration of the services by
the qualified UCWs, they may avail the following privileges, in addition to the
benefits herein provided:

(a) UCW Discount. - The grant of twenty percent (20%) discount from all
establishments relative to the utilization of transportation services,
restaurants, and recreation centers, and purchase of medicine anywhere
in the country: Provided, That the establishments may claim the
discounts granted under this Section as a tax deduction based on the net
cost of the goods sold or services rendered: Provided, further, That the
cost of the discount shall be allowed as a deduction from gross income
for the same taxable year that the discount is granted: Provided, finally,
‘That the total amount of the claimed tax deduction net of value-added
tax, if applicable, shall be included in their gross sales receipts for tax
purposes and shall be subject to proper documentation and to the

provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code, as amended;

(b) Prohibition Against Work Discrimination. - No employer shall
discriminate against any UCW employee with respect to terms and
conditions of employment on account of his or her status;

(©) Flexible Work Schedule. -The employer shall provide for a flexible
working schedule for UCWs: Provided, That the same shall not affect
individual and company productivity: Provided, further, That any
employer may request exemption from the above requirements from the
DOLE on certain meritorious grounds;

(d) UCW Leave. - In addition to leave privileges under existing laws,
parental leave of not more than three (3) working days every year shall

5


1 be granted to any UCW employee who has rendered service of at least
2 one (1) year;

3 (e) Educational Benefits. - DepEd, CHED, and TESDA shall provide the
4 following benefits and privileges:

5 (1) Scholarship programs for qualified UCWs and the members of
6 their household in institutions of basic, tertiary, and technical or
7 skills education; and

8 (2) Non-formal education programs appropriate for UCWs and the
9 member of their household.

0 () Medical Assistance. - DOH shall develop a comprehensive healthcare
n program for UCWs and their family. The program shalll be implemented

12 by DOH through their retained hospitals and medical centers and by
13 LGUs through their respective local hospitals and/or health care
14 centers;

15 (g) Community Engagement. - The LGUs, in coordination with non-
16 government organizations, people’s organizations, the private sector,
7 and other stakeholders, shall conduct regular dialogues and information
18 drives with the community to educate them on the importance of care
19 work and other gender issues. Through this multi-sectoral mechanism,
20 UCWs can participate and put forth their needs for integration into the
21 local government pandemic programming and management;

2 (h) Gender and Development Information Drive. - PCW, in coordination with
2B the CHR, shall lead the conduct of advocacy activities, gather input, and
24 develop data on UCWs, in coordination with the PSA, thru the conduct
25 of the Census of Population, dissemination of information, and education
26 of communities in the recognition of UCW’s importance in nation
2” building. The PCW shall be guided by a model of three (3)
28 interconnected dimensions to incorporate the issue of UCW into the
29 development agenda, namely: (1) Recognition; (2) Reduction; and (3)
30 Redistribution.

31 Sec. 9. Care Work Education and Training Program. - The Council, together with

32 DepEd for basic education, the CHED for State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), and

6


TESDA for technical-vocational schools, shall establish a strong collaboration for the
formulation and implementation of plans and programs for the integration and
mainstreaming of care work in the educational system.

Sec. 10. Responsibility of Local Government Units. - The city or municipality,
through the city or municipal mayor concerned, shall ensure the effective
implementation of the provisions of this Act, as well as care policies, programs, and
services developed by the Council, within their respective jurisdictions. The city or
municipal mayor concerned shall submit annual reports to DILG on their progress.

Sec. 11. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Council, through its
Chairperson, shall issue the necessary rules and regulations for the effective
implementation of this Act within sixty (60) days from its approval. The Council, in
consultation with LGUs, non-government organizations, people's organizations, and
other key stakeholders, shall lead the preparation of the implementing rules and
regulations. The rules and regulations issued pursuant to this Section shall take effect
fifteen (15) days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation.

Sec. 12. Appropriations. - The funds necessary to carry out the initial
implementation of this Act shall be charged against the respective budget of
concerned agencies for the current year. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary
for the continued implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual General
Appropriations Act.

Sec. 13. Annual Report. - The Council shall submit comprehensive annual
reports to the Congress of the Philippines, which shall include its assessment of the
efficacy of the care policies, programs, and services, and the status of its
implementation, including, but not limited to, progress reports, challenges, and
recommendations, review of the policies involved, research and data, and other
reports integral to the implementation of this Act.

Sec. 14. Congressional Oversight. - Both Houses of Congress, particularly the
Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality of the Senate
and the Committee on Women and Gender Equality of the House of Representatives,
shall oversee the implementation of this Act.

Sec. 15, Sunset Review. - Within five (5) years after the effectivity of this Act, or

as the need arises, both Houses of Congress shall conduct a sunset review. For

7


Scocwmrwxaueun

purposes of this Act, the term “sunset review” shall mean a systematic evaluation by
the Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality of the
Senate and by the Committee on Women and Gender Equality of the House of
Representatives of the accomplishments and impact of this Act, as well as the
performance and organizational structure of its implementing agencies, for purposes
of determining remedial legislation.

Sec. 16. Separability Clause. - If any part, section, or provision of this Act shall
be held invalid or unconstitutional, no other part, section, or provision thereof shall
be affected thereby.

Sec. 17. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and
regulations, issuances, or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are
hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.

Sec. 18. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
complete publication either in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of
general circulation.

‘Approved,