Iloilo City – The Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC) is actively advocating for ‘kasambahays‘ to understand and assert their rights under the EC Program in cases of work-related sickness, injuries, diseases, or death. This call to action was reiterated during the celebration of Araw ng mga Kasambahays at Smallville 21 Hotel.

Facilitated by the Department of Labor and Employment-Region 6, the event drew 75 attendees, including kasambahays and their employers. The gathering shed light on Republic Act No. 10361, also known as the “Domestic Workers Act” or “Batas Kasambahay,” which emphasizes internationally accepted working conditions for all workers, including domestic workers.

Under this law, kasambahays are mandated to be covered by their employers for mandatory social protections such as SSS, Pag-IBIG, and PhilHealth. The legislation aims to institutionalize the rights of domestic workers, ensuring their access to benefits similar to those enjoyed by formal sector employees.

The ECC highlighted that kasambahays, as compulsory members of the Social Security System, are entitled to benefits under the EC Program in the event of work-related contingencies. ECC Executive Director Kaima Via B. Velasquez emphasized that the provision of social insurance through the ECP is a crucial aspect of the protection afforded by the Batas Kasambahay.

Under the EC Program, kasambahays incapacitated due to work-related accidents or diseases are eligible to claim loss of income benefits. This includes compensation for disabilities preventing them from working and reimbursement for medical expenses incurred due to work-related illnesses or injuries. Additionally, kasambahays suffering from work-connected disabilities can receive a carer’s allowance, free rehabilitation services, skills training, and entrepreneurship training to facilitate their reintegration into the workforce. In the event of a kasambahay’s death due to a work-related cause, their beneficiaries are entitled to monthly pensions and a funeral benefit.

Director Velasquez emphasized that employers play a vital role under the ECP for their kasambahays. They are urged to enroll and register their kasambahays under the SSS to ensure their ECP coverage and should ensure the timely registration and payment of contributions to avoid liabilities concerning the benefits to which kasambahays and their dependents are entitled to. Furthermore, they are also required to maintain an EC logbook to avoid penalties, even though kasambahays can still claim EC benefits despite the absence of an EC logbook.

The ECC envisions itself to be a nationally-recognized social insurance government institution committed to protect all workers, including our Kasambahays, through effective programs and excellent services.

 

S. Barredo – REU 6