Kasambahay Rights Under RA 10361: A Modern Guide for Filipino Homes
Human+ Editorial
MaidProvider.ph • The Philippine Maid Brand
Domestic work has always been one of the quiet engines of the Filipino household. Long before the law recognized it, kasambahays kept kitchens running, cared for children, watched over elders, and held together the daily rhythm of home life.
For generations, this work lived in an informal space — built on trust, tradition, and verbal agreements.
RA 10361, the Batas Kasambahay, changed that landscape.
It brought structure, dignity, and legal protection to one of the most intimate and essential professions in the country.
A New Standard of Protection
The Batas Kasambahay ensures that domestic workers are treated with fairness and professionalism — a shift long overdue.
Compensation and Benefits
RA 10361 sets the baseline for wages and benefits, replacing informal arrangements with clear standards.
Minimum Wage varies per region, as set by DOLE.
SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG coverage begins on Day 1.
If the monthly wage is below ₱5,000, the employer covers the full contribution.
13th Month Pay is mandatory for any kasambahay who has worked at least one month.
These protections elevate household work into formal employment — where it rightfully belongs.
Time, Rest, and Well-Being
Modern domestic work demands structure, and the law provides it.
8 hours of uninterrupted daily rest
24 consecutive hours of weekly rest
Premium pay for work done on rest days
These are not privileges — they are legal safeguards designed to ensure humane working conditions.
Access to Education and Growth
RA 10361 acknowledges that a kasambahay’s development strengthens both the worker and the home.
Employers must allow domestic workers access to:
Basic education
Vocational or technical training
As long as these do not compromise essential duties, learning is protected and encouraged — a powerful step toward dignity and upward mobility.
Contracts and Compliance
Professionalizing domestic work begins with clarity.
Every employment relationship must have a written contract outlining:
Duties
Salary
Benefits
Rest days
Living arrangements
Conditions for termination
Both parties must understand and agree to the terms.
This eliminates guesswork and protects everyone involved.
Dignity, Safety, and Respect
Some practices are explicitly prohibited under the law — a reflection of the country’s commitment to protect household workers.
Prohibited acts include:
Withholding wages
Debt bondage
Demanding a security deposit
Confiscating personal documents
Any form of verbal, physical, or psychological abuse
Guaranteed rights include:
Privacy of communication and belongings
Free and humane board and lodging
Safe and decent living conditions
RA 10361 elevates domestic work beyond tradition — into protected, formal labor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies as a kasambahay?
Anyone engaged in domestic work — live-in or live-out — including maids, yayas, cooks, gardeners, and drivers.
Do part-time workers fall under RA 10361?
Yes. All domestic workers, regardless of schedule, are covered.
Who pays the government contributions?
If the salary is below ₱5,000, the employer shoulders the full amount.
If ₱5,000 or above, contributions are shared.
Can a kasambahay waive their rest day?
They may agree to work, but must receive premium pay.
Where can complaints be filed?
With the DOLE Regional Office or the Barangay where the worker is employed.
A Fairer Home, A Stronger Profession
The Batas Kasambahay is more than legislation.
It is a cultural shift — a recognition that domestic work is skilled, essential labor deserving of legal protection and human respect.
When families follow RA 10361, they help elevate the entire profession.
A protected kasambahay creates a steadier home.
A respected worker forms a healthier working relationship.
A dignified system builds a better society.
How MaidProvider.ph Helps
As a licensed household staffing agency, MaidProvider.ph supports families in complying with RA 10361 through:
Verified and documented kasambahays
Clear, compliant contracts
Proper screening and matching
Orientation for both employer and worker
24/7 Human+ AI support
We help Filipino homes implement the law responsibly — and help kasambahays work with dignity, safety, and respect.
Human+ Editorial
MaidProvider.ph • The Philippine Maid Brand