A HOUSE leader has proposed a measure granting a one-time amnesty for employers who have failed to pay the Social Security System contributions of their kasambahays—a reference to their household help.
Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers said even if there was a law making the SSS coverage of house helpers mandatory, there were still employers who have been remiss in fulfilling their obligations.
Barbers also said he would coordinate with the SSS officials to find out how many have actually registered with the agency.
“There is a significant number of kasambahay employers who wanted to comply with the registration requirements under the Batas Kasambahay but were imposed huge unpaid SSS contribution and penalties, thus deterring them from continuing with the SSS registration for their kasambahays,” Barbers, chairmam of the House committee on dangerous drugs, said in filing House Bill 4207.
HB 4207 seeks to give employers a chance to settle the unpaid contributions of their kasambahays without the burden of imposing penalties, fines and other additions, Barbers said.
“The bill, if passed into law, will provide them a window of opportunity before new restrictions are put in place and harsher repressive measures are taken against non-compliant employers. Most importantly, it will generate a much needed short-term revenue windfall for the SSS,” Barbers said.
Barbers said the bill also proposed to uphold the rights of kasambahays.
“Our kasambahays play a big role in our daily lives. And so it is only but proper to return the compassion and good services they give to thier employers to help them cope with the rising cost of living,” Barbers said.
“Let us give them this privilege which is equally accorded to everyone,” Barbers added.