The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) welcomes the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board’s (RTWPB) recent proposal to raise the minimum monthly wage for household workers in Central Visayas. This signifies the Commission’s acknowledgment of the significance of fair compensation and dignified working conditions for household workers within the region.
According to RTWPB, they are currently conducting a survey of kasambahay and their employers to determine their working conditions and current salary. All stakeholders, including household workers and employers, were encouraged to participate in the survey, which will run until the end of the month. By March or April, the board will have discussed the proposed wage increase for kasambahay.
Republic Act (RA) No. 10361, also known as the Domestic Workers Act or “Batas Kasambahay,” states that “adjustments pertaining to wages shall take effect immediately after the determination and issuance of the appropriate wage order by the RTWPBs, provided, further, that nothing in this act shall be construed to cause the diminution or substitution of any benefits and privileges currently enjoyed by the domestic worker hired directly or through an agency.”
The Commission believes that an adequate wage increase for household workers is more imperative than ever, given the country’s socio-economic dynamics and cost of living. Moreover, kasambahays play an important role in providing essential services that support and enable a functional household, particularly for families with working parents. As workers, they must be treated equally with other employees. Their rights as workers and dignity as human beings must always be recognized by all, particularly in how they enable and assist individuals and families in pursuing their goals and dreams. Although they may not always be apparent, kasambahays play an important role in both the development and functioning of our society.
We take note of the RTWPB’s initiative, as well as the efforts of other stakeholders who have advocated for this crucial move in raising the minimum wage of household workers in Central Visayas. Furthermore, the Commission also recognizes regional wage disparities, and we hope that this proactive effort will be a tangible step toward ensuring a more equitable and just salary for Filipino workers, not just in certain regions, but in the entire Philippines.
The CHR, together with the government, civil society organizations (CSOs), and other stakeholders, is committed to amplifying the call for just and equitable economic opportunities for Filipinos. Our dedication to empowering the labor force is consistent with the Philippine government’s broader commitment to the welfare and advancement of the Filipino workforce. ###