PBBM signs Republic Act 11965

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had signed Republic Act 11965, also known as the Caregiver Welfare Act, into law to safeguard the rights and welfare of the industry, Malacañang said on Friday.

According to Malacañang, the law that Marcos signed on 23 November said that the working hours of caretakers would be determined by their employment agreement. Also, it requires overtime compensation for employment exceeding eight hours each day.

The 13th month's salary is also due to caregivers who have worked for at least a month.

In addition, they will be eligible for benefits like PhilHealth, Pag-Ibig, and Social Security System contributions.

Additionally, it allows caregivers to end their job contract at any point before it expires if their employers mistreat them physically, verbally, emotionally, or inhumanely.

To ensure that the Caregiver Act is implemented effectively, the Department of Labor and Employment must publish the Implementing Rules and Regulations in collaboration with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and other relevant agencies.

The recently signed law stated that the Department of Migrant Workers "shall issue the rules and regulations for the recruitment and deployment of Filipino caregivers for overseas employment to ensure their protection, including their reintegration," in cooperation with the DOLE, TESDA, and other agencies.

The Caregiver Welfare Act will go into force fifteen days after it is published in the Official Gazette or at least two widely read media.