The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board XI announces the wage hike for Kasambahays in Davao Region. Under Wage Order No. RB XI-DW-01, the new minimum wage rates for domestic helpers or the kasambahay in the region are as follows: P3,000 for chartered cities and first class municipalities and P2,000 for other municipalities and effective last December 16, 2017.

According to the new wage order, an increase of P1,000 is added to the current wage of P2,000 for chartered cities and an increase of P500 from the current P1,500 for other municipalities.

The prescribed wage rates under this Wage Order shall apply to domestic workers, whether live-in or live-out arrangements, such as, but not limited to:

  1. General Househelp
  2. Yaya
  3. Cook
  4. Gardener
  5. Laundry Person
  6. Any person who regularly performs domestic work in one household on an occupational basis.

The wages of the Domestic Workers shall be paid at least once a month in cash. No deductions from the wages of the Domestic Worker shall be allowed other than those mandated by law.

Under Section 30, Article IV of RA 10361, a domestic worker who has rendered at least one (1) month of service shall be covered by the Social Security System (SSS), the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and the Home Development Mutual Fund or PAG-IBIG, and shall be entitled to all the benefits in accordance with the pertinent provisions provided by law. Premium payments or contributions shall be shouldered by the employer. However, if the domestic worker is receiving a wage of Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000) and above per month, the domestic worker shall pay the proportionate share in the premium payments or contributions, as provided by the law. The domestic worker shall be entitled to all other benefits under existing law.

Non-compliance in the disposal of wages of the Domestic Workers are declared unlawful and shall be punishable with a fine of not less than Ten Thousand Pesos (P10,000) but not more than Forty Thousand Pesos (P40,000).

 Katrina B. Manlapus/DOLEXI-GIP