Manpower agencies liability for helpers' crimes
By Nidz Godino
"What happens when PEAs are used as entry points for those with criminal minds to penetrate homes of unsuspecting employer…will submission of those abovementioned documents be enough to protect those who paid for services of PEAs?" The House of Representatives approved on third and final reading bill amending Batas Kasambahay or Republic Act 10361, jointly making private employment agencies (PEAs) liable for crimes house helpers commit against their employers.
This developed after House Bill 4477 gathered 246 yes votes alongside zero no and abstention votes during plenary session.
House Bill 4477 states PEAs will be "jointly liable in relation to any criminal act committed by domestic worker against employer in the course of the domestic worker's employment."
The accountability of PEA will cease one year from the first day of domestic worker's employment with the employer.
"This is to impose greater responsibility and accountability from private employment agencies that offer service of domestic helpers to to better safeguard persons of the employers and their families. Passage of this bill is earnestly sought," the committee report stressed.
The same measure also mandates PEAs to conduct diligent background check on identity, personal and family background through actual verification, and to the extent possible, supported by relevant documents such as National Bureau of Investigation, police and barangay clearances or certificates, and birth certificates.
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