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Statement of the Commission on Human Rights in support of the proposed measure seeking to protect the welfare of caregivers

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) supports Senate Bill No. 2019 (SB 2019) also known as An Act Instituting Policies for the Protection and Welfare of Caregivers in the Practice of their Profession.

SB 2019 was introduced by Senator Jinggoy Estrada together with Senator Sonny Angara, Senator Francis Tolentino, Senator Loren Legarda, and Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. This bill seeks to safeguard the rights of caregivers towards decent employment and income and to protect them against abuse, harassment, violence, and economic exploitation.

Filipino caregivers are widely regarded as some of the best in the world, offering not only physical care but also emotional support to their patients. They earn adequate salaries abroad so many of them choose to serve in foreign lands. In contrast, the caregiving profession within the Philippines is given little value. Caregivers here do not earn adequate wages to support their basic needs; they lack job security; and, are often not guaranteed with full labor rights. Based on Indeed, a local career website, the average monthly pay of locally-employed caregivers is PhP19,507. This is significantly low compared to the international rate. In comparison, caregivers in the United States earn an average of PhP140,000 each month while those in Great Britain receive approximately PhP190,000 salary per month.

It is high time that we concretely care for caregivers employed here in the Philippines considering the vital work they do to support and assist vulnerable individuals, which include infants, children, and dependent adults. A competitive compensation package and benefits as well as good working conditions must be guaranteed to them so they will choose to serve here in our country and not just gain experience here as a stepping stone to a more lucrative offer abroad. As cited in the explanatory note of the proposed measure, the caregiving services in the country are expected to increase due to our aging population as well as the growing number of Filipinos with medical issues and functional limitations. The Department of Labor and Employment or DOLE also noted the rise in the need of home-based caregivers in 2021 amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Commission commends our senators for seeking to improve the rights and welfare of caregivers while also recognizing their importance to nation-building. It is notable that the SB 2019 seeks to ensure that caregivers have adequate and timely compensation; safe working conditions; access to job security; and, career benefits. These are important legal guarantees that adhere to the Labor Code of the Philippines and international human rights standards. We can also expect that improvement in the welfare and job security of  caregivers will redound to better service and will contribute in the fulfilment of the right to health of the sick and vulnerable sectors they cater to.

Championing a legislation that promotes work dignity, equality, and fairness demonstrates proactive effort to continually improve the labor landscape in the country, particularly for the marginalized workers, such as caregivers. We hope for the swift passage of this important measure. Prioritizing the plight of caregivers will not only benefit the said sector but is also foundational in strengthening the healthcare and support system in our country. ###

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