NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
iBttut of thf Sn ti
23 jwni P4 59
SENATE
S. No._1648
REenvaitr:
Introduced by Senator Loren B. Legarda
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR BENEFITS AND PRIVILEGES TO UNPAID CARE 
WORKERS AND THEIR FAMILIES, APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Unpaid care work is still work. Due to persistent gender stereotypes around 
unpaid care work and breadwinning in modem society, women make up the majority 
of those who provide unpaid care. Globally, over seventy percent (70%) of the unpaid 
care workforce is made up of women, who perform three (3) times as much unpaid 
care work as men do.1 In the Philippines, women continue to shoulder the brunt of 
unpaid care work, which forces many of them to balance a full-time job with a "second 
shift at home -- taking care of backbreaking household chores and caring for family 
members.2
The COVID-19 pandemic has further exposed and even deepened these long­
standing economic and gender disparities, which frequently begin at home. The 
boundary separating work from personal life has worsened due to school closures, 
travel restrictions, and challenges in obtaining food and water, among others. It is now 
much more demanding for parents who work full-time while supporting their
1 
htft?://stateoftheworldsfathers.org/report/state-of-the-worlds-fathers-2n2l/
2 
b-ttps://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/04/02/217]621/women-still-hear-bnintof-iinnaid-care-work-
studv/amp/


children as they attend online classes, a responsibility that falls more frequently on 
mothers than fathers.
This glaring gender gap in unpaid care work has a substantial influence on both 
the types of occupations that are open to women and their ability to actively 
participate in the labor market. It is the greatest impediment to women joining, 
remaining, and advancing in the workforce. This is because time is a finite resource, 
which means that time spent on one activity reduces the amount of time available for 
other activities, and a woman's time can only be spHt so much. Every minute a woman 
spends providing unpaid care is a minute she could be investing in her education and 
job.
Unknown to many, unpaid care work contributes between ten to thirty-nine 
percent (10-39%) of the gross domestic product (GDP). This is because women's 
unpaid work openly compensates for the lack of available social services by helping 
defray the cost of care intended to support and maintain families and economies. Yet, 
it is rarely recognized as "work."
Certainly, impaid care work is crucial to the future of work. It is urgently 
necessary to invest in care pohcies, services, and infrastructure that support unpaid 
care workers, promote gender parity in domestic and care work, and create more paid 
jobs in the care. This will accelerate the nation's economic progress and improve the 
individual and societal welfare. However, care work in the Philippines remains 
mostly invisible, unrecognized, and unaccounted for in decision-making.
This bill seeks to change that. By supporting unpaid caregivers and developing 
infrastructure and services that Hghten the load of unpaid care work on women, the 
proposed measure aims to improve the future of Filipino families across the country. 
Most importantly, this bill aims to challenge traditional family structures and gender 
norms while also helping Fihpinos realize their fair share of household and caregiving 
duties.


It is still possible to acknowledge that providing care is not just the 
responsibility of women but the responsibility of the entire family. When we all care 
and do our share, the future is equal.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
OREN LEGARDA


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NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
^rnnie i:
e( iljp ft' frpfnrji
23 JAN 11 P4 59
SENATE 
S. No. 1648
Introduced by Senator Loren B. Legarda
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: 
r
Section. 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Unpaid Care Workers 
Welfare Act of2022."
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the poHcy 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 eveiy 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


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(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;
(b) "Unpaid care worker" (UCW) refers to any individual who performs 
unpaid care work as defined in tliis Act.
(c) "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.
(d) "Children" refer to those living with the unpaid care worker and 
dependent on him/her for support, who are single and unmarried, 
imemployed, and below eighteen (18) years of age, or those over but are 
imable 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;
(e) "Disabled persons" refers to those suffering from the restriction of 
different abihties, 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
(f) 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 the following 
qualifications may avail of the benefits and privileges provided for imder this Act:
(a) Any spouse living with the household, primarily performing unpaid 
care work as defined by this Act, and is:
(1) At least eighteen (18) years of age;
(2) Not more than sixty (60) years of age; and


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(3) Must have legally contracted marriage;
(b) Any family member, living with the household, and primarily 
performing impaid care work as defined by this Acf; or
(c) Any individual, living with the household, and primarily performing 
unpaid care work as defined by this Act.
These individuals must not have been convicted by final judgment for an 
offense involving moral turpitude. However, employment, whether part-time or full­
time, shall not disqualify these individuals from claiming benefits under this Act: 
Provided, That a change in the status or circumstance of the UCW claiming benefits 
under this Act shall terminate his or her eligibility for these benefits, but may qualify 
him/her for other benefits either as a Solo Parent under Repubhc Act No. 8972, or the 
Solo Parent s Welfare Act of 2000," or as a Senior Citizen under the applicable laws: 
Provided, further. That only one (1) individual may qualify as a UCW for every 
household: Provided, finally. That this individual shall avail of the benefits under this 
Act exclusively without availing other benefits provided under other relevant laws 
either as a Solo Parent or as a Senior Citizen.
Sec. 5. Inter-Agency Council on Unpaid Care Work. - For the purpose of carrying 
out the provisions of this Act, there is hereby established an Inter-Agency Coimcil on 
Unpaid Care Work, hereinafter referred to as the Council, which shall be composed 
of the following agencies:
(a) Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as the 
Chairperson;
(b) Phihppine Commission on Women (PCW) as the Vice-Chairperson;
(c) Phihppine Statistics Authority (PSA) Board;
(d) Commission on Human Rights (CHR);
(e) Department of Health (DOH);
(f) Department of Education (DepEd);
(g) Commission on Higher Education (CHED);
(h) Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA);
(i) Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE); and
(j) Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).


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The Council members may designate their duly authorized representative who 
shall have a rank not lower than an Assistant Secretary or its equivalent. These 
representatives shall attend Coimcil meetings on their behalf and shall receive 
emoluments as may be determined by the Council in accordance with existing budget 
and accounting rules and regulations.
The Council shall be organized within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this 
Act. The majority of the Council members shall constitute a quonun.
Sec. 6. Powers and Functions of the Inter-Agency Council on Unpaid Care Work. - 
The Coimcil shall have the following powers and functions:
(a) Develop the country s care goals, priorities, and long-term strategy;
(b) Guided by the legal mandates of the agencies concerned, direct national 
government agencies and local government units (LGUs) to implement 
care pohcies, programs, and services;
(c) Coordinate with various sectors and agencies to ensure coherent 
strategic direction and programs;
(d) Engage in national care policy-making;
(e) Formulate programs and projects to eliminate gaps in unpaid care work 
based on their mandates and monitor the implementation thereof;
(f) Regularly review and update the country's care pohcies and strategies;
(g) Initiate information campaigns on unpaid work;
(h) Conduct research necessary to: (1) develop a new body of knowledge on 
UCWs; (2) define the executive and legislative measures needed to 
promote and protect the interest of UCWs and their famihes; and (3) 
assess the effectiveness of programs designed for disadvantaged UCWs;
(i) Submit annual reports to the Congress of the Phihppines on the progress 
of implementation of this Act; and
(j) Perform other functions as may be necessary for the implementation of 
this Act.
The Council shall endeavor to use integrated, people-centered, participatory, 
responsive, and sustainable principles in the development, implementation, and 
assessment of care programs and strategies.


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Sec. 7. Comprehensive Package of Social Development and Welfare Services for Unpaid
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Care Workers. - A Comprehensive Package of Social Development and Welfare
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Services for UCWs, hereinafter referred to as the UCW Comprehensive Package, is
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hereby established for the benefit of qualified UCWs and their families. The Council
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shall lead the implementation of the UCW Comprehensive Package, in coordination
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with LGUs, non-government organizations, people's organizations, and other key
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stakeholders. At the minimum, the package shall include:
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(a) Livelihood development services, including, but not hmited to, training
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programs on Hvelihood skills, basic business management, value
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orientation, and the provision of seed capital for self-employed UCWs
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or job placement in flexible work opportunities;
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(b) Counseling services, including, but not limited to, individual, peer group,
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or family counseling. This will focus on conflict resolution in personal
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relationships;
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(c) Parent effectiveness services, including, but not limited to, the provision
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and expansion of knowledge and skills of the UCWs and the members
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of their households on early childhood development, behavior
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management, health care, and the rights and duties of parents and
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children;
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(d) Child and elderly care support services, including, but not limited to, the
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establishment of elderly care centers, breastfeeding centers, and day-
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care centers;
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(e) Critical incidence stress debriefing, including, but not limited to,
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preventive stress management strategies 
designed to assist UCWs in
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coping with crisis situations and cases of abuse; and
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(f) Special projects for individuals in need of protection, including, but not
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limited to, temporary shelter, counseling, legal assistance, medical care,
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self-concept or ego-building, crisis management, and spiritual
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enrichment.
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Sec. 8. Privileges for Unpaid Care Workers. - In consideration of the services by
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the qualified UCWs, they may avail the following benefits or privileges, in addition
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to the other privileges herein provided:


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(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.
(c) 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 
be granted to any UCW employee who has rendered service of at least 
one (1) year;
(e) Educational Benefits. - DepEd, CHED, and TESDA shall provide the 
following benefits and privileges:
(1) Scholarship programs for qualified UCWs and the members of 
their household in institutions of basic, tertiary, and technical or 
skills education; and
(2) Non-formal education programs appropriate for UCWs and the 
member of their household.


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(f) Medical Assistance. - DOH shall develop a comprehensive healthcare 
program for UCWs and their family. The program shaU be implemented 
by DOH through their retained hospitals and medical centers and by
LGUs through their respective local hospitals and/or health care 
centers;
(g) Community Engagement. - The LGUs, in coordination with non­
government organizations, people's organizations, the private sector, 
and other stakeholders, shall conduct regular dialogues and information 
drives with the community to educate them on the importance of care 
work and other gender issues. Through this multi-sectoral mechanism, 
UCWs can participate and put forth their needs for integration into the 
local government pandemic programming and management;
(h) Gender and Development Information Drive. - PCW, in coordination with 
the CHR, shall lead the conduct of advocacy activities, gather input, and 
develop data on UCWs, in coordination with the PSA, thru the conduct 
of the Census of Population, dissemination of information, and education 
of communities in the recognition of UCW's importance in nation 
building. The PCW shall be guided by a model of three (3) 
intercoimected dimensions to incorporate the issue of UCW into the 
development agenda, namely: (1) Recognition; (2) Reduction; and (3) 
Redistribution.
Sec. 9. Care Work Education and Training Program. - The Council, together with 
DepEd for basic education, the CHED for State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), and 
TESDA for techmcal-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 aimual reports to DILG on their progress.


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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. 14. 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 
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 orgamzational structure of its implementing agencies, for purposes 
of determining remedial legislation.


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Sec. 15. 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. 16. 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. 17. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shaU 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,