By Liza Soriano
MANILA — The Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights has on Saturday (25 Nov 2023) recommended amending Republic Act 10361, also known as the Kasambahay Law, to specify criminal liabilities against abusive employers.
This recommendation comes in the wake of an investigation into the case of household helper Elvie Vergara, who allegedly faced abuse from her employer.
The committee aims to “provide specific criminal liability for abusive employers with corresponding penalties for any death or physical injuries sustained by the Kasambahay resulting from, or sustained in the course of his or her employment.”
Currently, the committee notes that in cases where domestic assistants are killed or suffer physical harm, there are no explicit criminal penalties outlined in the statute. Instead, reference is made to the Revised Penal Code, with the sole penalties being fines ranging from P10,000 to P40,000.
The Senate panel asserts that clearly defining the criminal culpability and penalties for abusive employers will serve as a significant deterrent against any form of abuse towards domestic helpers.
(ai/mnm)