The Kasambahay Partylist is aiming to secure a seat in Congress in the upcoming elections.
During their recent visit to Puerto Princesa City and the province of Palawan, the party’s second nominee, Jo Palma, said they are advocating not only for the rights and welfare of the millions of domestic workers across the country, but also for their employers, whom they refer to as “may bahay.”
Among the key legislative priorities of the Kasambahay Partylist are securing the 13th month pay, paid leaves, and regular days off for domestic workers; establishing kasambahay help desks and providing free legal assistance; launching scholarship programs for the children or siblings of kasambahays; ensuring safety and protection for employers against dishonest or abusive workers; creating shelters for abused domestic workers both in the Philippines and abroad; and facilitating access to government benefits and accidental insurance, among others.
“This partylist is not only for kasambahay but also doon sa may bahay o employers. Because there are also abuses na nagmumula doon sa kasambahay. Now, our partylist also provides an advocacy not only on the domestic labor sa kasambahay dito sa ating bansa but we also provide our assistance, our advocacy doon sa foreign employment,” Palma said during a press conference.
“This is the lost, the last and the least [sector] na kailangan nating alagaan. This kasambahay is walang representation sa Congress. Sila ang pinakamaliit kaya maigi lang na may representation sila sa Congress. If our advocacy will be out in Congress, that remains advocacy. But if tulungan kami na maipasok kami sa Kongreso, our advocacy becomes a policy for them,” he added.
Another nominee, Archie Arizo, emphasized that domestic workers truly belong to a marginalized sector that needs to be acknowledged and supported by the government.
While he acknowledged that the government has taken some steps and passed laws in favor of domestic workers, he said more needs to be done.
“This Kasambahay Partylist is a long overdue representation. I am personally is a witness kung gaano ka-vulnerable ang ating mga kasambahay sa abuses. But although kasambahay is ‘yung 1st sector na aming ire-represent, pero hindi lang ito naka-focus sa kasambahay but we also want to provide protection doon sa mga employers,” he said.
“Kasi ang mga employers ngayon sa local is also prone sa abuses ng mga kasambahay din. It does not mean na porke Kasambahay Partylist tayo, we will only focus sa mga kasambahay but we will be an equalizer when it comes sa mga protection sa mga kasambahay, sa private individuals o may bahay na tinatawag namin at maging sa private employment agencies na malaki ang role sa implementation ng rights and responsibilities na nakasaad sa Batas Kasambahay o Republic Act No. 10361,” he added.
Meanwhile, Palma and Arizo assured the public that their partylist will serve the sector if given the chance, emphasizing that unlike others, their nominees are real members of the sector they represent.
Arizo noted that their first nominee, Atty. Chembeelyn Balucan, was once a domestic helper who was able to study and eventually became a teacher. She obtained a scholarship, became a lawyer, and served as a councilor in Dapitan City.
“She is a living proof na walang imposible dahil siya mismo ay dating kasambahay na nagsikap at naging matagumpay. Mahirap mag-represent ng isang partylist pero ikaw mismo ay never mo na-experience ang ganitong sitwasyon kaya si Atty. Balucan is a perfect fit for the position kaya s’ya ang aming 1st nominee,” Arizo said.
Their second nominee, Palma, has extensive experience in public service, having worked as Chief of Staff for several members of Congress. He also served as a technical staff member at the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Office of the House Speaker during the time of former Speaker Ramon V. Mitra. He is no stranger to Palawan, having visited the province numerous times in the past.
Their third nominee, Atty. Butch Jason Tormis, is a certified public accountant and a former official of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), whose background they say will significantly contribute to their goals for both kasambahays and employers.
The Kasambahay Partylist also recognized Palaweña Janicel Lubina-Valera, who won the title of Binibining Pilipinas International 2015, after learning that she was once a domestic worker who persevered and found success in life.
