The House of Representatives adopted Senate Bill No. 2019, as an amendment to House Bill No. 227, which seeks to institute policies for the protection and welfare of caregivers in the practice of their occupation.
The proposed “Caregivers’ Welfare Act,” which would cover caregivers employed and working within the country in private homes, nursing or care facilities, and other residential settings, provides that there shall be an employment contract between the caregiver and the employer before the commencement of service.
The contract would include the following:
1) duties and responsibilities;
2) period of employment;
3) work arrangement;
4) compensation;
5) authorized deductions;
6) hours of work and proportionate additional payment or overtime;
7) rest days and allowable leaves;
8) board, lodging, and medical attention; and
9) termination of employment.
The measure also contains provisions to protect the employers.
The measure also contains provisions to protect the employers by allowing them to impose the submission of pre-employment requirements, such as a caregivers training certificate, medical certificate, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) clearance, and barangay clearance.
