Visayan Forum decries severity of abuse against domestic workers; calls on Congressmen to stop sitting on Domestic Work Bill

An internationally recognized anti-slavery group said that the recent spate of abuse and torture of domestic workers may have been prevented had Congressmen acted immediately on the proposed Domestic Workers Act of 2012.

“We call on our Congressmen to put aside politics and petty concerns and immediately approve House Bill 6144 or the Domestic Workers Act,” declared Ma. Cecilia Flores-Oebanda, President of Visayan Forum Foundation, Inc.  “We believe that in establishing clear regulations and standards for the hiring, employment, and treatment of domestic workers, we could have created an environment where domestic workers and employers will mutually benefit from the relationship.”

The proposed Bill also provides for possible avenues where domestic workers can seek recourse against abusive employers.  The Bill has been pending in the House of Representatives since 1998 but has approved it in Second Reading last May 30, 2012.  The Philippine Senate has already approved its version of the proposed measure.

The call came as reports of grave abuse of domestic workers continue to mount.  Last July 31, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada recounted the story of Bonita Paran, a domestic worker who was employed by a household in Quezon City. For four years, Bonita suffered from horrible abuses which led to the loss of her eyesight and the disfigurement of her face and body.

“Ilang Bonita pa ba ang dapat makaranas ng ganitong mapait na karanasan bago pa magkaroon ng sapat na batas na kakalinga sa kanilang karapatan at pangangailangan,” said Senator Estrada.

According to reports from the Visayan Forum, Bonita’s case is part of an alarming trend.  The group recounted recent reports of a child domestic worker being beaten repeatedly with a hammer by the employer’s son.  Another domestic worker was sexually abused, another had her skin scorched because her employer ironed her and scalding water was poured on her back, while another had to defend her life after her employer attempted to stab her with a knife. 

“We are bewildered as to why the House of Representatives continue to dilly-dally with this Bill.  It has already been passed in Second Reading last May 30, it has undergone numerous consultations, even with representatives from employers and homeowners’ associations.  The Bill also included proposed amendments from numerous Congressmen,” Oebanda stated. 

According to the rules of the House of Representatives, Bills passed on Second Reading should be immediately distributed to Congressmen.  After 3 days, the Bill should be tabled for Third and Final Reading and approval.  However, since the resumption of sessions, the Bill has not even been distributed to Congressmen. 

“It seems that there are still some elements willing to subvert the rules of the House just to deny domestic workers their rights and continue to perpetuate these abuses,” said Oebanda.