Jinggoy lauds Kasambahay law

MANILA, Philippines - Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada lauded President Aquino Wednesday for signing the Kasambahay law, Republic Act 10361, saying it would benefit more than two million domestic workers in the country.

Estrada, chairman of the Senate committee on labor, employment and human resources development, said the law mandates that workers should have at least eight hours of rest each day and a day off from work every week.

Under the new law, a domestic worker – such as a househelp, nursemaid, cook, gardener or laundry person – shall be covered by an employment contract. The law also prohibits the employment of a person below 15 years old as a domestic worker.

Violators face a fine of at least P10,000, aside from civil and criminal lawsuits.