Republic of the Philippines CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES Metro Manila

Fifteenth Congress Thir Regular Session

!egun an hel in Metro Manila" on Mon a#" the t$ent#%thir

a# of &ul#" t$o thousan t$el'e(

REP)!LIC *CT NO( +,-.+

*N *CT INSTIT)TING POLICIES FOR THE PROTECTION *N/ 0ELF*RE OF /OMESTIC 0OR1ERS

!e it enacte b# the Senate an House of Representati'es of the Philippines in Congress asse2ble 3

*RTICLE I GENER*L PRO4ISIONS

Section +( Short Title( 5 This *ct shall be 6no$n as the 7/o2estic 0or6ers *ct7 or 7!atas 1asa2baha#7(

Section 8( /eclaration of Policies( 5 It is hereb# eclare that3

9a: The State strongl# affir2s labor as a pri2ar# social force an is co22itte to respect" pro2ote" protect an reali;e the fun a2ental principles an rights at $or6 inclu ing" but not li2ite to" abolition of chil labor" eli2ination of all for2s of force labor" iscri2ination in e2plo#2ent an occupation" an traffic6ing in persons" especiall# $o2en an chil ren<

9b: The State a heres to internationall# accepte $or6ing con itions for $or6ers in general" an establishes labor stan ar s for o2estic $or6ers in particular" to$ar s ecent e2plo#2ent an inco2e" enhance co'erage of social protection" respect for hu2an rights an strengthene social ialogue<

9c: The State recogni;es the nee to protect the rights of o2estic $or6ers against abuse" harass2ent" 'iolence" econo2ic e=ploitation an perfor2ance of $or6 that is ha;ar ous to their ph#sical an 2ental health< an

9 : The State" in protecting o2estic $or6ers an recogni;ing their special nee s to ensure safe an healthful $or6ing con itions" pro2otes gen er%sensiti'e 2easures in the for2ulation an i2ple2entation of policies an progra2s affecting the local o2estic $or6(

Section -( Co'erage( 5 This *ct applies to all o2estic $or6ers e2plo#e an $or6ing $ithin the countr#(

Section >( /efinition of Ter2s( 5 *s use in this *ct" the ter23

9a: /ebt bon age refers to the ren ering of ser'ice b# the o2estic $or6er as securit# or pa#2ent for a ebt $here the length an nature of ser'ice is not clearl# efine or $hen the 'alue of the ser'ice is not reasonabl# applie in the pa#2ent of the ebt(

9b: /eplo#2ent e=penses refers to e=penses that are irectl# use for the transfer of the o2estic $or6er fro2 place of origin to the place of $or6 co'ering the cost of transportation( * 'ances or loans b# the o2estic $or6er are not inclu e in the efinition of eplo#2ent e=penses(

9c: /o2estic $or6 refers to $or6 perfor2e in or for a househol or househol s(

9 : /o2estic $or6er or 71asa2baha#7 refers to an# person engage in o2estic $or6 $ithin an e2plo#2ent relationship such as" but not li2ite to" the follo$ing3 general househelp"

nurse2ai or 7#a#a7" coo6" gar ener" or laun r# person" but shall e=clu e an# person $ho perfor2s o2estic $or6 onl# occasionall# or spora icall# an not on an occupational basis(

The ter2 shall not inclu e chil ren $ho are un er foster fa2il# arrange2ent" an are pro'i e access to e ucation an gi'en an allo$ance inci ental to e ucation" i(e( 7baon7" transportation" school pro?ects an school acti'ities(

9e: E2plo#er refers to an# person $ho engages an controls the ser'ices of a o2estic $or6er an is part# to the e2plo#2ent contract(

9f: Househol refers to the i22e iate 2e2bers of the fa2il# or the occupants of the house that are irectl# pro'i e ser'ices b# the o2estic $or6er(

9g: Pri'ate E2plo#2ent *genc# 9PE*: refers to an# in i'i ual" legiti2ate partnership" corporation or entit# license to engage in the recruit2ent an place2ent of o2estic $or6ers for local e2plo#2ent(

9h: 0or6ing chil ren" as use un er this *ct" refers to o2estic $or6ers $ho are fifteen 9+@: #ears ol an abo'e but belo$ eighteen 9+A: #ears ol (

*RTICLE II RIGHTS *N/ PRI4ILEGES

Section @( Stan ar of Treat2ent( 5 The e2plo#er or an# 2e2ber of the househol shall not sub?ect a o2estic $or6er or 76asa2baha#7 to an# 6in of abuse nor inflict an# for2 of ph#sical 'iolence or harass2ent or an# act ten ing to egra e the ignit# of a o2estic $or6er(

Section .( !oar " Lo ging an Me ical *tten ance( 5 The e2plo#er shall pro'i e for the basic necessities of the o2estic $or6er to inclu e at least three 9-: a eBuate 2eals a a# an hu2ane sleeping arrange2ents that ensure safet#(

The e2plo#er shall pro'i e appropriate rest an assistance to the o2estic $or6er in case of illnesses an in?uries sustaine uring ser'ice $ithout loss of benefits(

*t no instance shall the e2plo#er $ith ra$ or hol in abe#ance the pro'ision of these basic necessities as punish2ent or isciplinar# action to the o2estic $or6er(

Section C( Guarantee of Pri'ac#( 5 Respect for the pri'ac# of the o2estic $or6er shall be guarantee at all ti2es an shall e=ten to all for2s of co22unication an personal effects( This guarantee eBuall# recogni;es that the o2estic $or6er is oblige to ren er satisfactor# ser'ice at all ti2es(

Section A( *ccess to Outsi e Co22unication( 5 The e2plo#er shall grant the o2estic $or6er access to outsi e co22unication uring free ti2e3 Pro'i e " That in case of e2ergenc#" access to co22unication shall be grante e'en uring $or6 ti2e( Shoul the o2estic $or6er 2a6e use of the e2plo#erDs telephone or other co22unication facilities" the costs shall be borne b# the o2estic $or6er" unless such charges are $ai'e b# the e2plo#er(

Section E( Right to E ucation an Training( 5 The e2plo#er shall affor the o2estic $or6er the opportunit# to finish basic e ucation an 2a# allo$ access to alternati'e learning s#ste2s an " as far as practicable" higher e ucation or technical an 'ocational training( The e2plo#er shall a ?ust the $or6 sche ule of the o2estic $or6er to allo$ such access to e ucation or training $ithout ha2pering the ser'ices reBuire b# the e2plo#er(

Section +,( Prohibition *gainst Pri'ilege Infor2ation( 5 *ll co22unication an infor2ation pertaining to the e2plo#er or 2e2bers of the househol shall be treate as pri'ilege an confi ential" an shall not be publicl# isclose b# the o2estic $or6er uring an after e2plo#2ent( Such pri'ilege infor2ation shall be ina 2issible in e'i ence e=cept $hen the suit in'ol'es the e2plo#er or an# 2e2ber of the househol in a cri2e against persons" propert#" personal libert# an securit#" an chastit#(

*RTICLE III PRE%EMPLOFMENT

Section ++( E2plo#2ent Contract( 5 *n e2plo#2ent contract shall be e=ecute b# an bet$een the o2estic $or6er an the e2plo#er before the co22ence2ent of the ser'ice in a language or ialect un erstoo b# both the o2estic $or6er an the e2plo#er( The o2estic $or6er shall be pro'i e a cop# of the ul# signe e2plo#2ent contract $hich 2ust inclu e the follo$ing3

9a: /uties an responsibilities of the o2estic $or6er<

9b: Perio of e2plo#2ent<

9c: Co2pensation<

9 : *uthori;e

e uctions<

9e: Hours of $or6 an proportionate a

itional pa#2ent<

9f: Rest a#s an allo$able lea'es<

9g: !oar " lo ging an 2e ical attention<

9h: *gree2ents on eplo#2ent e=penses" if an#<

9i: Loan agree2ent<

9?: Ter2ination of e2plo#2ent< an

96: *n# other la$ful con ition agree upon b# both parties(

The /epart2ent of Labor an E2plo#2ent 9/OLE: shall e'elop a 2o el e2plo#2ent contract for o2estic $or6ers $hich shall" at all ti2es" be 2a e a'ailable free of charge to o2estic $or6ers" e2plo#ers" representati'e organi;ations an the general public( The /OLE shall $i el# isse2inate infor2ation to o2estic $or6ers an e2plo#ers on the use of such 2o el e2plo#2ent contract(

In cases $here the e2plo#2ent of the o2estic $or6er is facilitate through a pri'ate e2plo#2ent agenc#" the PE* shall 6eep a cop# of all e2plo#2ent contracts of o2estic $or6ers an shall be 2a e a'ailable for 'erification an inspection b# the /OLE(

Section +8( Pre%E2plo#2ent ReBuire2ent( 5 Prior to the e=ecution of the e2plo#2ent contract" the e2plo#er 2a# reBuire the follo$ing fro2 the o2estic $or6er3

9a: Me ical certificate or a health certificate issue b# a local go'ern2ent health officer<

9b: !aranga# an police clearance<

9c: National !ureau of In'estigation 9N!I: clearance< an

9 : /ul# authenticate birth certificate or if not a'ailable" an# other ocu2ent sho$ing the age of the o2estic $or6er such as 'oterDs i entification car " baptis2al recor or passport(

Ho$e'er" Section +89a:" 9b:" 9c: an 9 : shall be stan ar reBuire2ents $hen the e2plo#2ent of the o2estic $or6er is facilitate through the PE*(

The cost of the foregoing shall be borne b# the prospecti'e e2plo#er or agenc#" as the case 2a# be(

Section +-( Recruit2ent an Fin erDs Fees( 5 Regar less of $hether the o2estic $or6er $as hire through a pri'ate e2plo#2ent agenc# or a thir part#" no share in the recruit2ent or fin erDs fees shall be charge against the o2estic $or6er b# the sai pri'ate e2plo#2ent agenc# or thir part#(

Section +>( /eposits for Loss or /a2age( 5 It shall be unla$ful for the e2plo#er or an# other person to reBuire a o2estic $or6er to 2a6e eposits fro2 $hich e uctions shall be 2a e for the rei2burse2ent of loss or a2age to tools" 2aterials" furniture an eBuip2ent in the househol (

Section +@( Prohibition on /ebt !on age( 5 It shall be unla$ful for the e2plo#er or an# person acting on behalf of the e2plo#er to place the o2estic $or6er un er ebt bon age(

Section +.( E2plo#2ent *ge of /o2estic 0or6ers( 5 It shall be unla$ful to e2plo# an# person belo$ fifteen 9+@: #ears of age as a o2estic $or6er( E2plo#2ent of $or6ing chil ren" as efine un er this *ct" shall be sub?ect to the pro'isionsof Section +,9*:" paragraph 8 of Section +8%*" paragraph > of Section +8%/" an Section +- of Republic *ct No( C.+," as a2en e " other$ise 6no$n as the 7Special Protection of Chil ren *gainst Chil *buse" E=ploitation an /iscri2ination *ct7(

0or6ing chil ren shall be entitle to 2ini2u2 $age" an all benefits pro'i e un er this *ct(

*n# e2plo#er $ho has been sentence b# a court of la$ of an# offense against a $or6ing chil un er this *ct shall be 2ete out $ith a penalt# one egree higher an shall be prohibite fro2 hiring a $or6ing chil (

Section +C( E2plo#erDs Reportorial /uties( 5 The e2plo#ers shall register all o2estic $or6ers un er their e2plo#2ent in the Registr# of /o2estic 0or6ers in the baranga# $here the e2plo#erDs resi ence is locate ( The /epart2ent of the Interior an Local Go'ern2ent 9/ILG: shall" in coor ination $ith the /OLE" for2ulate a registration s#ste2 for this purpose(

Section +A( S6ills Training" *ssess2ent an Certification( 5 To ensure pro ucti'it# an assure Bualit# ser'ices" the /OLE" through the Technical E ucation an S6ills /e'elop2ent *uthorit# 9TES/*:" shall facilitate access of o2estic $or6ers to efficient training" assess2ent an certification base on a ul# pro2ulgate training regulation(

*RTICLE I4

EMPLOFMENT 5 TERMS *N/ CON/ITIONS

Section +E( Health an Safet#( 5 The e2plo#er shall safeguar the health an safet# of the o2estic $or6er in accor ance $ith la$s" rules an regulations" $ith ue consi eration of the peculiar nature of o2estic $or6(

Section 8,( /ail# Rest Perio ( 5 The o2estic $or6er shall be entitle to an aggregate ail# rest perio of eight 9A: hours per a#(

Section 8+( 0ee6l# Rest Perio ( 5 The o2estic $or6er shall be entitle to at least t$ent#%four 98>: consecuti'e hours of rest in a $ee6( The e2plo#er an the o2estic $or6er shall agree in $riting on the sche ule of the $ee6l# rest a# of the o2estic $or6er3 Pro'i e " That the e2plo#er shall respect the preference of the o2estic $or6er as to the $ee6l# rest a# $hen such preference is base on religious groun s( Nothing in this pro'ision shall epri'e the o2estic $or6er an the e2plo#er fro2 agreeing to the follo$ing3

9a: Offsetting a a# of absence $ith a particular rest a#<

9b: 0ai'ing a particular rest a# in return for an eBui'alent ail# rate of pa#<

9c: *ccu2ulating rest a#s not e=cee ing fi'e 9@: a#s< or

9 : Other si2ilar arrange2ents(

Section 88( *ssign2ent to Nonhousehol 0or6( 5 No o2estic $or6er shall be assigne to $or6 in a co22ercial" in ustrial or agricultural enterprise at a $age rate lo$er than that pro'i e for agricultural or nonagricultural $or6ers( In such cases" the o2estic $or6er shall be pai the applicable 2ini2u2 $age(

Section 8-( E=tent of /ut#( 5 The o2estic $or6er an the e2plo#er 2a# 2utuall# agree for the for2er to te2poraril# perfor2 a tas6 that is outsi e the latterDs househol for the benefit of another househol ( Ho$e'er" an# liabilit# that $ill be incurre b# the o2estic $or6er on

account of such arrange2ent shall be borne b# the original e2plo#er( In a ition" such $or6 perfor2e outsi e the househol shall entitle the o2estic $or6er to an a itional pa#2ent of not less than the e=isting 2ini2u2 $age rate of a o2estic $or6er( It shall be unla$ful for the original e2plo#er to charge an# a2ount fro2 the sai househol $here the ser'ice of the o2estic $or6er $as te2poraril# perfor2e (

Section 8>( Mini2u2 0age( 5 The 2ini2u2 $age of o2estic $or6ers shall not be less than the follo$ing3

9a: T$o thousan fi'e hun re pesos 9P8"@,,(,,: a 2onth for those e2plo#e in the National Capital Region 9NCR:<

9b: T$o thousan pesos 9P8",,,(,,: a 2onth for those e2plo#e in chartere cities an first class 2unicipalities< an

9c: One thousan fi'e hun re pesos 9P+"@,,(,,: a 2onth for those e2plo#e 2other 2unicipalities(

*fter one 9+: #ear fro2 the effecti'it# of this *ct" an perio icall# thereafter" the Regional Tripartite an Pro ucti'it# 0age !oar s 9RTP0!s: shall re'ie$" an if proper" eter2ine an a ?ust the 2ini2u2 $age rates of o2estic $or6ers(

Section 8@( Pa#2ent of 0ages( 5 Pa#2ent of $ages shall be 2a e on ti2e irectl# to the o2estic $or6er to $ho2 the# are ue in cash at least once a 2onth( The e2plo#er" unless allo$e b# the o2estic $or6er through a $ritten consent" shall 2a6e no e uctions fro2 the $ages other than that $hich is 2an ate b# la$( No e2plo#er shall pa# the $ages of a o2estic $or6er b# 2eans of pro2issor# notes" 'ouchers" coupons" to6ens" tic6ets" chits" or an# ob?ect other than the cash $age as pro'i e for un er this *ct(

The o2estic $or6er is entitle to a thirteenth 2onth pa# as pro'i e for b# la$(

Section 8.( Pa# Slip( 5 The e2plo#er shall at all ti2es pro'i e the o2estic $or6er $ith a cop# of the pa# slip containing the a2ount pai in cash e'er# pa# a#" an in icating all e uctions

2a e" if an#( The copies of the pa# slip shall be 6ept b# the e2plo#er for a perio of three 9-: #ears(

Section 8C( Prohibition on Interference in the /isposal of 0ages( 5 It shall be unla$ful for the e2plo#er to interfere $ith the free o2 of an# o2estic $or6er to ispose of the latterDs $ages( The e2plo#er shall not force" co2pel or oblige the o2estic $or6er to purchase 2erchan ise" co22o ities or other properties fro2 the e2plo#er or fro2 an# other person" or other$ise 2a6e use of an# store or ser'ices of such e2plo#er or an# other person(

Section 8A( Prohibition *gainst 0ithhol ing of 0ages( 5 It shall be unla$ful for an e2plo#er" irectl# or in irectl#" to $ithhol the $ages of the o2estic $or6er( If the o2estic $or6er lea'es $ithout an# ?ustifiable reason" an# unpai salar# for a perio not e=cee ing fifteen 9+@: a#s shall be forfeite ( Li6e$ise" the e2plo#er shall not in uce the o2estic $or6er to gi'e up an# part of the $ages b# force" stealth" inti2i ation" threat or b# an# other 2eans $hatsoe'er(

Section 8E( Lea'e !enefits( 5 * o2estic $or6er $ho has ren ere at least one 9+: #ear of ser'ice shall be entitle to an annual ser'ice incenti'e lea'e of fi'e 9@: a#s $ith pa#3 Pro'i e " That an# unuse portion of sai annual lea'e shall not be cu2ulati'e or carrie o'er to the succee ing #ears( )nuse lea'es shall not be con'ertible to cash(

Section -,( Social an Other !enefits( 5 * o2estic $or6er $ho has ren ere at least one 9+: 2onth of ser'ice shall be co'ere b# the Social Securit# S#ste2 9SSS:" the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation 9PhilHealth:" an the Ho2e /e'elop2ent Mutual Fun or Pag%I!IG" an shall be entitle to all the benefits in accor ance $ith the pertinent pro'isions pro'i e b# la$(

Pre2iu2 pa#2ents or contributions shall be shoul ere b# the e2plo#er( Ho$e'er" if the o2estic $or6er is recei'ing a $age of Fi'e thousan pesos 9P@",,,(,,: an abo'e per 2onth" the o2estic $or6er shall pa# the proportionate share in the pre2iu2 pa#2ents or contributions" as pro'i e b# la$(

The o2estic $or6er shall be entitle to all other benefits un er e=isting la$s(

Section -+( Rescue an Rehabilitation of *buse /o2estic 0or6ers( 5 *n# abuse or e=ploite o2estic $or6er shall be i22e iatel# rescue b# a 2unicipal or cit# social $elfare officer or a social $elfare officer fro2 the /epart2ent of Social 0elfare an /e'elop2ent 9/S0/: in

coor ination $ith the concerne baranga# officials( The /S0/ an the /ILG shall e'elop a stan ar operating proce ure for the rescue an rehabilitation of abuse o2estic $or6ers" an in coor ination $ith the /OLE" for possible subseBuent ?ob place2ent(

*RTICLE 4 POST EMPLOFMENT

Section -8( Ter2ination of Ser'ice( 5 Neither the o2estic $or6er nor the e2plo#er 2a# ter2inate the contract before the e=piration of the ter2 e=cept for groun s pro'i e for in Sections -- an -> of this *ct( If the o2estic $or6er is un?ustl# is2isse " the o2estic $or6er shall be pai the co2pensation alrea # earne plus the eBui'alent of fifteen 9+@: a#s $or6 b# $a# of in e2nit#( If the o2estic $or6er lea'es $ithout ?ustifiable reason" an# unpai salar# ue not e=cee ing the eBui'alent fifteen 9+@: a#s $or6 shall be forfeite ( In a ition" the e2plo#er 2a# reco'er fro2 the o2estic $or6er costs incurre relate to the eplo#2ent e=penses" if an#3 Pro'i e " That the ser'ice has been ter2inate $ithin si= 9.: 2onths fro2 the o2estic $or6erDs e2plo#2ent(

If the uration of the o2estic ser'ice is not eter2ine either in stipulation or b# the nature of the ser'ice" the e2plo#er or the o2estic $or6er 2a# gi'e notice to en the $or6ing relationship fi'e 9@: a#s before the inten e ter2ination of the ser'ice(

The o2estic $or6er an the e2plo#er 2a# 2utuall# agree upon $ritten notice to pre%ter2inate the contract of e2plo#2ent to en the e2plo#2ent relationship(

Section --( Ter2ination Initiate b# the /o2estic 0or6er( 5 The o2estic $or6er 2a# ter2inate the e2plo#2ent relationship at an# ti2e before the e=piration of the contract for an# of the follo$ing causes3

9a: 4erbal or e2otional abuse of the o2estic $or6er b# the e2plo#er or an# 2e2ber of the househol <

9b: Inhu2an treat2ent inclu ing ph#sical abuse of the o2estic $or6er b# the e2plo#er or an# 2e2ber of the househol <

9c: Co22ission of a cri2e or offense against the o2estic $or6er b# the e2plo#er or an# 2e2ber of the househol <

9 : 4iolation b# the e2plo#er of the ter2s an con itions of the e2plo#2ent contract an other stan ar s set forth un er this la$<

9e: *n# isease pre?u icial to the health of the o2estic $or6er" the e2plo#er" or 2e2berGs of the househol < an

9f: Other causes analogous to the foregoing(

Section ->( Ter2ination Initiate b# the E2plo#er( 5 *n e2plo#er 2a# ter2inate the ser'ices of the o2estic $or6er at an# ti2e before the e=piration of the contract" for an# of the follo$ing causes3

9a: Miscon uct or $illful isobe ience b# the o2estic $or6er of the la$ful or er of the e2plo#er in connection $ith the for2erDs $or6<

9b: Gross or habitual neglect or inefficienc# b# the o2estic $or6er in the perfor2ance of uties<

9c: Frau or $illful breach of the trust repose b# the e2plo#er on the o2estic $or6er<

9 : Co22ission of a cri2e or offense b# the o2estic $or6er against the person of the e2plo#er or an# i22e iate 2e2ber of the e2plo#erDs fa2il#<

9e: 4iolation b# the o2estic $or6er of the ter2s an con itions of the e2plo#2ent contract an other stan ar s set forth un er this la$<

9f: *n# isease pre?u icial to the health of the o2estic $or6er" the e2plo#er" or 2e2berGs of the househol < an

9g: Other causes analogous to the foregoing(

Section -@( E2plo#2ent Certification( 5 )pon the se'erance of the e2plo#2ent relationship" the e2plo#er shall issue the o2estic $or6er $ithin fi'e 9@: a#s fro2 reBuest a certificate of e2plo#2ent in icating the nature" uration of the ser'ice an $or6 perfor2ance(

*RTICLE 4I PRI4*TE EMPLOFMENT *GENCIES

Section -.( Regulation of Pri'ate E2plo#2ent *gencies 9PE*s:( 5 The /OLE shall" through a s#ste2 of licensing an regulation" ensure the protection of o2estic $or6ers hire through the PE*s(

The PE* shall be ?ointl# an se'erall# liable $ith the e2plo#er for all the $ages" $age%relate benefits" an other benefits ue a o2estic $or6er(

The pro'ision of Presi ential /ecree No( >>8" as a2en e " other$ise 6no$n as the 7Labor Co e of the Philippines7" on Bualifications of the PE*s $ith regar to nationalit#" net$orth" o$ners an officers" office space an other reBuire2ents" as $ell as nontransferabilit# of license an co22ission of prohibite practices" shall appl#(

In a

ition" PE*s shall ha'e the follo$ing responsibilities3

9a: Ensure that o2estic $or6ers are not charge or le'ie an# recruit2ent or place2ent fees<

9b: Ensure that the e2plo#2ent agree2ent bet$een the o2estic $or6er an the e2plo#er stipulates the ter2s an con itions of e2plo#2ent an all the benefits prescribe b# this *ct<

9c: Pro'i e a pre%e2plo#2ent orientation briefing to the o2estic $or6er an the e2plo#er about their rights an responsibilities in accor ance $ith this *ct<

9 : 1eep copies of e2plo#2ent contracts an agree2ents pertaining to recruite o2estic $or6ers $hich shall be 2a e a'ailable uring inspections or $hene'er reBuire b# the /OLE or local go'ern2ent officials<

9e: *ssist o2estic $or6ers $ith respect to co2plaints or grie'ances against their e2plo#ers< an

9f: Cooperate $ith go'ern2ent agencies in rescue operations in'ol'ing abuse or e=ploite o2estic $or6ers(

*RTICLE 4II SETTLEMENT OF /ISP)TES

Section -C( Mechanis2 for Settle2ent of /isputes( 5 *ll labor%relate isputes shall be ele'ate to the /OLE Regional Office ha'ing ?uris iction o'er the $or6place $ithout pre?u ice to the filing of a ci'il or cri2inal action in appropriate cases( The /OLE Regional Office shall e=haust all conciliation an 2e iation efforts before a ecision shall be ren ere (

Or inar# cri2es or offenses co22itte un er the Re'ise Penal Co e an other special penal la$s b# either part# shall be file $ith the regular courts(

*RTICLE 4III SPECI*L PRO4ISIONS

Section -A( Infor2ation Progra2( 5 The /OLE shall" in coor ination $ith the /ILG" the SSS" the PhilHealth an Pag%I!IG e'elop an i2ple2ent a continuous infor2ation isse2ination progra2 on the pro'isions of this *ct" both at the national an local le'el" i22e iatel# after the enact2ent of this la$(

Section -E( 7*ra$ Ng Mga 1asa2baha#7( 5 The ate upon $hich the Presi ent shall appro'e this 7/o2estic 0or6ers *ct7 shall be esignate as the 7*ra$ ng 2ga 1asa2baha#7(

*RTICLE IH PEN*L *N/ MISCELL*NEO)S PRO4ISIONS

Section >,( Penalt#( 5 *n# 'iolation of the pro'isions of this *ct eclare unla$ful shall be punishable $ith a fine of not less than Ten thousan pesos 9P+,",,,(,,: but not 2ore than Fort# thousan pesos 9P>,",,,(,,: $ithout pre?u ice to the filing of appropriate ci'il or cri2inal action b# the aggrie'e part#(

Section >+( Transitor# Pro'ision< Non%/i2inution of !enefits( 5 *ll e=isting arrange2ents bet$een a o2estic $or6er an the e2plo#er shall be a ?uste to confor2 to the 2ini2u2 stan ar s set b# this *ct $ithin a perio of si=t# 9.,: a#s after the effecti'it# of this *ct3 Pro'i e " That a ?ust2ents pertaining to $ages shall ta6e effect i22e iatel# after the eter2ination an issuance of the appropriate $age or er b# the RT0P!s3 Pro'i e " further" That nothing in this *ct shall be construe to cause the i2inution or substitution of an# benefits an pri'ileges currentl# en?o#e b# the o2estic $or6er hire irectl# or through an agenc#(

Section >8( I2ple2enting Rules an Regulations( 5 0ithin ninet# 9E,: a#s fro2 the effecti'it# of this *ct" the Secretar# of Labor an E2plo#2ent" the Secretar# of Social 0elfare an /e'elop2ent" the Secretar# of the Interior an Local Go'ern2ent" an the /irector General of the Philippine National Police" in coor ination $ith other concerne go'ern2ent agencies an accre ite nongo'ern2ent organi;ations 9NGOs: assisting o2estic $or6ers" shall pro2ulgate the necessar# rules an regulations for the effecti'e i2ple2entation of this *ct(

*RTICLE H FIN*L PRO4ISIONS

Section >-( Separabilit# Clause( 5 If an# pro'ision or part of this *ct is eclare in'ali or unconstitutional" the re2aining parts or pro'isions not affecte shall re2ain in full force an effect(

Section >>( Repealing Clause( 5 *ll articles or pro'isions of Chapter III 9E2plo#2ent of Househelpers: of Presi ential /ecree No( >>8" as a2en e an renu2bere b# Republic *ct No( +,+@+ are hereb# e=pressl# repeale ( *ll la$s" ecrees" e=ecuti'e or ers" issuances" rules an regulations or parts thereof inconsistent $ith the pro'isions of this *ct are hereb# repeale or 2o ifie accor ingl#(

Section >@( Effecti'it# Clause( 5 This *ct shall ta6e effect fifteen 9+@: a#s after its co2plete publication in the Official Ga;ette or in at least t$o 98: national ne$spapers of general circulation(

*ppro'e "

9Sg (: &)*N PONCE ENRILE Presi ent of the Senate 9Sg (: FELICI*NO !ELMONTE &R(

Spea6er of the House of Representati'es This *ct $hich is a consoli ation of Senate !ill No( CA an House !ill No( .+>> $as finall# passe b# the Senate an the House of Representati'es on No'e2ber 8C" 8,+8 an No'e2ber 8." 8,+8" respecti'el#(

9Sg (: EMM* LIRIO%REFES Secretar# of Senate

9Sg (: M*RILFN !( !*R)*%F*P Secretar# General House of Representati'es

*ppro'e 3 &*N +A 8,+-

9Sg (: !ENIGNO S( *I)INO III Presi ent of the Philippines

The La$phil Pro?ect % *rellano La$ Foun ation