TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES​
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES​ ​
) 
First Regular Session​
​
) 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
HOUSE BILL No. 3524
INTRODUCED BY HON. RICARDO S. CRUZ, JR. 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Kasambahays play a vital role in Filipino households. Through their hard 
work and care, they ensure the comfort, stability, and well-being of the families 
they serve. Often regarded as extended members of the household, they enable 
others to focus on their work and education with peace of mind. But if we are to 
truly transform the nation, we must begin by reducing social inequalities–starting 
at home. This means empowering kasambahays with opportunities for 
self-improvement and lifelong learning.  
The 1987 Constitution mandates the State to promote social justice and 
protect all workers. In 2013, Congress passed Republic Act No. 10361 or the 
“Batas Kasambahay” to safeguard the rights of domestic workers. It established 
basic labor standards such as contracts, rest periods, social protection, and 
minimum wage rates. Yet, significant implementation gaps persist. 
Wages remain low. As of May 2025, regional wage boards set the 
minimum wage for domestic workers between Php 4,500 (Region XII) and Php 
7,000 (National Capital Region),1 translating to an average monthly salary of Php 
5,750, which is below livable standards. With such limited income, many 
kasambahays struggle to prioritize needs such as medicines and even continuing 
education. The nature of their work makes attending formal schooling difficult, 
and few employers provide time or support for upskilling or alternative learning 
systems. 
These persistent challenges drive many domestic workers to seek 
employment abroad, with the majority of 172,000 Filipino women leaving the 
country annually engaging in domestic work,2 facing renewed risks as OFWs. 
It is time we adopt a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to 
safeguard the dignity, well-being, and potential of our kasambahays. 
2 Gender in Geopolitics Institute (February 2024). Filipino Domestic Workers: The Invisible Workforce Product of Globalization. https://igg-geo.org/en/2024/02/12/fili/ 
1 DOLE National Wages and Productivity Commission (May 2025). Current Monthly Minimum Wage For Domestic Workers. 
https://nwpc.dole.gov.ph/current-monthly-minimum-wage-for-domestic-workers/  
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This measure strengthens the Batas Kasambahay by introducing key 
reforms that address their evolving needs. It institutionalizes access to continuing 
education and skills development by requiring employers to provide at least one 
(1) hour per day or six (6) hours per week for alternative or skills-based learning,
with such time counted as compensable working hours. It also mandates
PhilHealth for the coverage of maintenance medicines, recognizing the
importance of access to essential medication for managing chronic illnesses and
sustaining overall well-being. It likewise allows kasambahays to access their
social security retirement benefits earlier, allowing them to avail of these benefits
which they can use in various endeavors that they wish to pursue.
To ensure accessible learning, the bill creates the Kasambahay Education 
Inter-Agency Committee, chaired by the Secretary of Labor and composed of 
TESDA, DepEd, and CHED. The Committee will develop practical modules, 
address digital access gaps, and formulate policies that balance the rights of 
kasambahays and employers. 
No one should remain a kasambahay for life simply because they were 
never given the chance to grow. By investing in their development, we invest in a 
more inclusive, just, and forward-moving society. This measure reaffirms our 
commitment to decent work, health, growth, security, and opportunity for all 
workers–especially for those who serve in the heart of our homes. 
In line with the policy adopted by its original proponent Senator Alan Peter 
“Compañero” S. Cayetano, this bill therefore serves as a counterpart measure. It 
is for the reason stated above that the passage of this measure is earnestly 
sought. 
RICARDO S. CRUZ, JR. 
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TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES​
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES​ ​
) 
First Regular Session​
​
) 
HOUSE OF 
REPRESENTATIVES HOUSE 
BILL No. 3524
INTRODUCED BY HON. RICARDO S. CRUZ, JR. 
AN ACT 
PROVIDING FOR ADDITIONAL RIGHTS AND BENEFITS TO 
KASAMBAHAYS UNDER REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10361, ENTITLED 
“AN ACT INSTITUTING POLICIES FOR THE PROTECTION AND 
WELFARE OF DOMESTIC WORKERS”, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS 
THE “DOMESTIC WORKERS ACT” OR “BATAS KASAMBAHAY”, 
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:  
Section 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as "Enhanced Batas 
Kasambahay Act.” 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. – It is the policy of the State to protect and 
promote the right to health of the people while affirming labor as a primary social 
economic force, protecting the rights of workers and promoting their welfare. It is 
therefore the responsibility of the State to provide social benefits for the labor 
force and the underprivileged. The Constitution also encourages non-formal, 
informal, and indigenous learning systems, as well as self-learning, independent, 
and out-of-school study programs particularly those that respond to community 
needs. 
Congress shall give highest priority to the enactment of measures that 
protect and enhance the right of all the people to human dignity, and reduce 
social, economic, and political inequalities. The provision of additional benefits 
and access to education, especially to the disadvantaged citizens of our society, 
works to this end. 
By providing their services, kasambahays play a vital role in the basic unit 
of our society. Therefore, it is necessary that the State promote and protect their 
rights by providing them access to social services and benefits, consistent with 
the principle of raising the quality of life for all, especially the underprivileged. 
Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. – For the purposes of this Act, the following 
terms are defined: 
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(a) Kasambahay – refers to any person who is employed or otherwise 
engaged in domestic work exclusively for one (1) household, whether on a live-in 
or live-out arrangement, and whose working hours for such household is at least 
twenty (20) hours per week.  
 
Kasambahay shall include individuals performing tasks related to general 
househelp, caregiving, child-minding, cooking, gardening, and other similar 
activities, but shall exclude (a) those performing such tasks on a freelance, 
part-time, or per-task basis; (b) those performing such tasks occasionally or 
sporadically and not on an occupational basis; and (c) those who are performing 
such tasks for multiple households.   
 
The definition of a kasambahay found in Republic Act No. 10361 shall 
remain in effect for the purposes of that law insofar as it is not inconsistent with 
the purpose of this Act. 
 
(b) Alternative Learning Systems or ALS – refers to a learning system 
that provides for a substitute or option to formal education through practical 
means. 
 
(c) Maintenance drugs or medicines – refer to medications taken 
regularly or on a recurring basis prescribed to treat chronic and/or long-term 
illnesses or diseases. 
 
(d) Outpatient drugs or medicines – refer to medications that are 
obtained outside of a hospital. 
 
Sec. 4. Continuing Education. – Without prejudice to Section 20 of 
Republic Act No. 10361, otherwise known as the Batas Kasambahay, each 
kasambahay shall have at least one (1) hour per day, or six (6) hours per week, 
for continuing alternative or skills education which hours shall be considered as 
compensable working hours.  
 
To make online learning accessible to kasambahay, the Department of 
Labor and Employment (DOLE), in coordination with the Department of 
Information and Communications Technology (DICT), shall institute a program to 
make internet and internet-enabled devices accessible to kasambahays. 
 
Sec. 5. Access to Alternative Learning Systems. – The Technical 
Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Education 
(DepEd), and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) shall provide alternative 
learning systems to all kasambahays, ensuring that all kasambahays have equal 
opportunities and access to such systems. These systems shall include 
applications and online content designed to enable and encourage participation, 
interaction, and development for upskilling and further study. 
  
Sec. 6. Kasambahay Education Inter-Agency Committee. – There is 
hereby created a Kasambahay Education Inter-Agency Committee, hereinafter 
referred to as the Committee, for the formulation of effective alternative learning 
framework for all kasambahays. The Committee shall be composed of the 
Secretary of the DOLE as Chairman, or any official as may be appointed by him, 
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and the respective heads of TESDA, DepEd, and CHED, or any official as may 
be appointed–by such heads, as members. 
 
The Committee shall have the following mandate: 
(a)​Formulate a practical, accessible and convenient module for the 
alternative learning of kasambahays; 
(b)​Study and implement efficient terms and conditions for the access of 
kasambahays to alternative learning taking into consideration the 
right of both employers and kasambahays; 
(c)​Provide efficient access to alternative learning systems, ensuring 
that kasambahays have access to the necessary tools or gadgets to 
access online education; and 
(d)​Such other functions as may be deemed necessary for the 
implementation of the alternative learning of kasambahays. 
 
Sec. 7. Free Maintenance Medicine for Kasambahays. – Maintenance 
medicine of kasambahays for illnesses and conditions such as diabetes, 
hypertension, asthma, tuberculosis, and such other chronic illnesses and 
conditions to be determined by the DOH shall be purchased by the LGUs of their 
workplace. Such maintenance medicine purchased shall be legally chargeable 
and covered by the National Health Insurance Program implemented by 
PhilHealth. A delivery system must be put in place for monthly or quarterly 
regular deliveries of such maintenance medicines to kasambahays.  
 
Such coverage shall be distinct from in-patient drugs provided during and 
right after confinement due to the aforementioned illnesses and diseases. 
 
Sec. 8. Earlier Access to Social Security System (SSS) Benefits for 
Kasambahays. – A kasambahay who has paid at least sixty (60) monthly 
contributions prior to the semester of retirement and who: (a) has reached the 
age of fifty-six (56) years and is already separated from employment; or (b) has 
reached the age of sixty (60) years, shall be entitled for as long as he lives to the 
monthly pension: Provided, That he shall have the option to receive his first 
eighteen (18) monthly pensions in lump sum discounted at a preferential rate of 
interest to be computed and determined by the SSS. 
 
Sec. 9. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – Within thirty (30) days 
upon approval of this Act, the Kasambahay Education Inter-Agency Committee 
and PhilHealth shall promulgate rules and regulations for the effective 
implementation of the provisions of this Act. 
 
Sec. 10. Repealing Clause. – All laws, executive orders, presidential 
decrees, administrative orders, rules and regulations, issuances, or parts thereof 
inconsistent with any provision of this Act are hereby repealed or amended 
accordingly. 
 
Sec. 11. Separability Clause. – If, for any reason, any portion or provision 
of this Act shall be held unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining provisions not 
affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect. 
 
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Sec. 12. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or at least two (2) national newspapers of 
general circulation. 
 
Approved, 
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