Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Quezon City, Metro Manila

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS

Regular Session

6502

House Bill No.

Introduced by: Rep. EVELIO R. LEONARDIA

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The purpose of the declaration of “Kasambahay Day” is to acknowledge
the essential function of the household helpers and workers in our homes.
They are those who assist and provide the needed services in the house from
which some of them had already become part of the family because of their
long time service and grown genuine concern for those people they work for.

Republic Act No. 10361 otherwise known as “Domestic Workers Act” or
“Batas Kasambahay” was signed by President Benigno S. Aquino Ill last
January 18, 2013. It is significant because it emphasizes the need to afford
special protection to domestic workers or kasambahay. It provides for concrete
terms in accordance with the constitutional mandate to afford “full protection”
to labor wherever situated, regardless of status and nature of position.

However, there is a still a need to give due credit and recognition for the
“Kasambahay’” as they are equally a part of the society even though most of
the time, they are within the confines of the house where they work. It may not
be the most prestigious job nor earns a lot of money but it is a lawful job which
‘one should not be ashamed of because there is dignity in the work done as it is
worthy of honor and respect .

Therefore, the household helpers commonly known as “Kasambahay”
deserves recognition and appreciation of their help, dedication in their work
and especially those who have become worthy of our trust and respect.

As such, the approval of this Bill is earnestly sought

Bae

REP. EVELIO R. LEONARDIA
Lone District, Bacolod City


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila
SIXTEENTH CONGRESS

Regular Session

House Bill No___6 502

Introduced by: Rep. EVELIO R. LEONARDIA

AN ACT
DECLARING EVERY 18'™ OF JANUARY OF EACH YEAR
AS “NATIONAL KASAMBAHAY DAY”

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

Section 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known as the ‘National Kasambahay
Day.”

Section 2. National Kasambahay Day. The 18" day of January of every year
shall be known as the "National Kasambahay Day’ shall hereby be
declared as a Special Working Holiday to recognize and
appreciate the significant role they play in each respective
household they work for. They are the sector of workers which
affords household employers who are workers themselves the
opportunity to focus on work elsewhere for their livelihood.

Section 3. Annual Celebration Activity. Pursuant to the declaration of
“National Kasambahay Day” there shall be an annual celebration
activity towards recognition and of household helpers or
“Kasambahay’ as defined under Republic Act No. 10361 otherwise
known as “Domestic Workers Act” or “Batas Kasambahay”.

Section 4. Information Dissemination. The Philippine Information Agency in
coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment
field/provincial/regional office shall ensure the effective information
dissemination of this Act.

Section 5. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) national
newspapers of general circulation.