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

Th

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

2950

House Bill No.

Introduced by Representatives Ria Christina G. Farifias
and Rudys Caesar G. Farifias

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to declare January 18 of every year as “Araw ng mga
Kasambahay”, a nonworking holiday for all the kasambahay. Under Section 39 of
Republic Act No. 10361, otherwise known as the “Domestic Workers Act" or “Batas
Kasambahay,” the date upon which the President shall approve the “Domestic
Workers Act" shall be designated as the “Araw ng mga Kasambahay." The
Domestic Workers Act was signed into law on 18 January 2013.

Domestic worker or “kasambahay" as defined under Section 4, paragraph
(d) of Republic Act No. 10361 refers to any person engaged in domestic work
within an employment relationship such as, but not limited to, the following:
general househelp, nursemaid or “yaya”, cook, gardener, or laundry person, but
shall exclude any person who performs domestic work only occasionally or
sporadically and not on an occupational basis.

Before the passage of Republic Act No. 10361, there were 2.9 million
domestic household workers in the Philippines who grappled with the harsh
conditions attendant to their everyday work and who had nothing to safeguard
their rights and welfare. This labor and social landmark legislation embodies the
recognition of domestic workers as heroes in our households whose rights and
welfare should be strengthened, protected and promoted.

The important role that domestic workers play in the growth of the Filipino
society cannot be disputed. Domestic workers dedicate their efforts to promote
the well-being of their employers. They ensure that the homes they manage are
in good and orderly condition. They cook, wash and iron clothes, clean the house,
take care of the kids and their pets, among other household duties. With the help
‘of domestic workers, employers have the time and luxury to work and pursue their
careers and still manage to have a happy and healthy family.


Setting a special day for the kasambahay and declaring it as a nonworking
holiday for all the kasambahay in the whole country is a way of giving due
recognition and great appreciation for their invaluable service they render to
every home and family. January 18 shall be designated as “Araw ng mga
Kasambahay”, and our Kasambahay are given a work free day in order for them
to attend to the activities that may be organized by the Department of Labor
and Employment or to attend to their much needed personal errands.

This measure is a refiled bill from House Bill No. 6285, authored by former
Representative Rodolfo C. Farifias in the 17!" Congress and transmitted to Senate
on March 15, 2018.

In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought,

:

RUD’ . FARINAS | RIA CHRISTINA G. FARINAS


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

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

2950

House Bill No.

Introduced by Representatives Ria Christina G. Farifias
and Rudys Caesar G. Farifias

AN ACT DECLARING JANUARY 18 OF EVERY YEAR A SPECIAL NONWORKING
HOLIDAY FOR ALL KASAMBAHAY IN THE ENTIRE COUNTRY TO BE KNOWN AS
“ARAW NG KASAMBAHAY"

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

SECTION 1. January 18 of every year is hereby declared a special nonworking
holiday for all kasambahay in the entire country to be known as “Araw ng
Kasambahay”. In the event that the special day falls on a weekend, the special
nonworking holiday shall be observed on the Friday of that week.

SEC. 2. For purposes of this Act, the term “kasambahay” is defined under
Section 4 (d) of Republic Act No. 10361, otherwise known as the “Domestic
Workers Act” or “Batas Kasambahay”

SEC. 3. The Secretary of Labor and Employment shall, in coordination with
the Secretary of Education and the Director-General of the Philippine Information
Agency, plan and implement activities of the continuing dissemination and
information campaign to honor the kasambahay.

SEC. 4. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,