Since the Kasambahay Bill has been effectively signed into law, the President will no longer hold a ceremonial signing for it.

"Wala na po... wala nang magiging ceremonial signing (there will be no ceremonial signing)," deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte was quoted as saying by GMA News, during her radio interview with DzRB.

President Benigno Aquino III has signed Republic Act 10361, also known as the Kasambahay Bill, last January 18, guaranteeing a fixed monthly salary of up to P2,500 and social benefits for the thousands of domestic workers around the Philippines.

According to the new law, domestic helpers based in the National Capital Region (NCR) should be paid a minimum of P2,500 per month. Helpers who work in chartered cities and first-class municipalities will be given a P2,000 minimum wage, while those who are employed in other municipalities should get P1,500. They should be paid in cash at least at least once a month, and are entitled to a 13th month pay.

Employers are not allowed to pay their helpers using promissory notes, vouchers, coupons, tokens, tickets, or chits. There was, however, no mention of a mandated wage increase in the law.

Helpers will be covered by the Social Security System, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and the Home Development Mutual Fund (PAG-IBIG) after a month of service. The employers should shoulder the helpers’ contributions, unless they are paid P5,000 and above. Helpers are also entitled to a five-day paid incentive leave after being employed for a year.

(Photo from The Office of the President of the Philippines via Wikimedia Commons)