By: Carlson B. Alelis

Starting today, May 8, 2019, the minimum wage of “kasambahays” or domestic workers in Western Visayas will be P4,000 a month.

This after the new wage order, RBVI-DW-03, was published on April 23, according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-6.

In a press conference held recently, DOLE-6 regional director Cyril Ticao said the minimum wage of kasambahays will increase by P500 monthly once the new wage order takes effect on May 8.

“We are encouraging all employers to comply with the new wage order,” he said.

The new wage order applies to kasambahays all over the region, regardless of the classification of the municipality or city where they are working in.

They will also receive the said amount in full regardless if they are staying with the employers or report for work for a certain number of hours a day.

Ticao mentioned that those who are considered kasambahays are people who cook, do the laundry, or do household chores, adding that personal drivers are not considered domestic workers, and thus, should be paid based on the minimum wage.

The minimum wage for those who are working in the non-agricultural sector with under 10 employees is P295 daily.

Per DOLE-6’s records for the first quarter this year, there were seven incident reports from kasambahays who were underpaid by their employers or are lacking contributions from SSS, PhilHealth, or Pag-IBIG Fund. (PIA)