Manila Times/Manila
A lawmaker has sought further strengthening of the Kasambahay law, by providing additional benefits to domestic law and granting tax incentives to employers who allow their maids to finish their education or undergo skill training.
Senator Maria Lourdes Nancy Binay, in filing Senate Bill No. 2009, or the “Discount Benefits of Domestic Workers Act of 2013,” wants medical and dental institutions to provide 20% discount on any sale of goods and services to all registered domestic workers including their immediate kin.
Under SB No 2009, qualified domestic workers who avail of discounted medical and dental goods or services are entitled to get either the provided 20% discount or the establishment offered discount, depending on which is more favourable to domestic workers.
Binay felt that by providing additional benefits to domestic workers, the government does not only support their advancement and welfare but also empower them by elevating their condition of living.
“With all their help and care for us, it is only fitting that we also give importance to their needs like medical care and education,” Binay added.
The neophyte senator also filed SB 2005 that seeks to provide tax incentives to employers who will allow their house helps pursue their studies or undergo training, provided that the employer will shoulder their tuition and other related expenses.
Under Section 16 of the implementing rules and regulation (IRR) of Republic Act 10361, Kasambahay or domestic workers shall be afforded the opportunity to finish basic education, which should consist of elementary and secondary education.
According to Binay, the proposed measure aims to encourage employers to comply with the law by providing them incentives.
“We not only empower our Kasambahays, we also reward homeowners. I believe that this arrangement is most beneficial for the family and will ultimately strengthen our country’s basic family system,” she said.
