Philippines House of Representatives Approves Bills Strengthening Anti-Discrimination Provisions and Private Employment Agencies' Responsibility

The House of Representatives of the Philippines has approved two significant bills aimed at strengthening anti-discrimination provisions and increasing private employment agencies' responsibility. The chamber approved House Bill No. 4479, which amends the Labor Code of the Philippines to provide stronger protection against sex-based discrimination in the workplace. The bill also approved House Bill No. 4477, which mandates greater responsibility and accountability from private employment agencies hiring and deploying domestic workers.

Key Takeaways:

• The House of Representatives approved House Bill No. 4479 with 248 votes, strengthening anti-discrimination provisions under the Labor Code of the Philippines, specifically protecting women employees from sex-based discrimination.
• The bill amends Article 135 of Presidential Decree No. 442, adding three new instances of prohibited acts: payment of lesser compensation, favoring male employees in job assignments, promotions, and benefits, and favoring male employees in dismissal or retrenchment.
• The bill also revises Article 137, making it unlawful for employers to discharge women due to pregnancy, while on leave, or while in confinement due to pregnancy, and adding a new prohibited act of denying women benefits due to their sex.
• Employers found guilty of these acts will face a fine of PHP 50,000 to PHP 200,000 and/or imprisonment for one to two years.
• House Bill No. 4477, approved with 246 votes, amends section 36 of Republic Act No. 10361, making private employment agencies subsidiarily liable for criminal acts committed by domestic workers against their employers.
• The measure requires PEAs to conduct background checks and verification of domestic helpers' identity, personal circumstances, and family background.
• PEAs are also mandated to provide a pre-employment orientation briefing to domestic workers and employers about their rights and responsibilities.

Statistics:

• The House of Representatives approved the two bills with supermajorities of 248 votes and 246 votes, respectively.
• Employers found guilty of violating the anti-discrimination provisions will face fines of PHP 50,000 to PHP 200,000 and/or imprisonment for one to two years.
• Private employment agencies will be required to conduct background checks and verification of domestic helpers' identity and personal circumstances.

Sources:

• House of Representatives Press Release, "House Approves Bills Strengthening Anti-Discrimination Provisions and PEAs' Responsibility"
• House Bill No. 4479, "An Act Strengthening the Anti-Discrimination Provisions under the Labor Code of the Philippines"
• House Bill No. 4477, "An Act Amending Section 36 of Republic Act No. 10361"