Press Release - Promoting welfare of various healthcare workers especially in the grassroots, Bong Go lauds enactment of Caregivers' Welfare Act

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go commended the recent enactment of Republic Act No. 11965, also known as the Caregivers' Welfare Act, which was signed into law by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on November 23. Go co-authored and co-sponsored the bill, which was principally sponsored by Senator Jinggoy Estrada.

The Caregivers' Welfare Act addresses the pressing need to safeguard the rights of caregivers, ensuring they receive fair treatment, decent employment, and protection against abuse, harassment, violence, and economic exploitation.

The scope of the new law covers caregivers employed in private homes, nursing or care facilities, and other residential settings. This includes caregivers hired directly by employers and those placed through the Public Employment Services Office and Private Employment Agency.

"Kilala po ang ating mga kababayan sa mundo dahil sa kanilang dedikasyon at husay sa trabaho. Naka-marka sa ating pagka-Pilipino ang pagmamahal at malasakit sa iba, kahit sila ay hindi natin kadugo o kapamilya. Ganyan po magtrabaho ang ating mga caregivers, katumbas ng pagmamahal sa kanilang pamilya ang ibinubuhos nilang pangangalaga," Go said previously.

"As the Chair of the Committee on Health and Demography, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the invaluable contribution of our Filipino caregivers to the healthcare industry. Hindi natin maikakaila ang hirap ng trabaho ng isang caregiver. Madalas ay iniiwan nila ang kanilang pamilya upang suportahan ang kanilang mga mahal sa buhay. Kasama sa kanilang pagsusumikap sa buhay ang kalungkutang mawalay sa kanilang pamilya,' he continued.

Key provisions of the law focus on regulating caregivers' working conditions, ensuring fair compensation, and providing essential benefits. According to the legislation, caregivers' working hours will be stipulated in their employment contracts, and they will be entitled to overtime pay for hours beyond the daily eight working hours. Moreover, a night shift differential with a minimum wage not less than the applicable regional minimum wage is mandated for those working night shifts.

Meanwhile, caregivers who have served for at least one month are entitled to a