BY NELJOY GALIGAO
ILOILO City – The Department of Labor and Employment (Department of Labor and Employment) Region 6 has stepped up its warning to household employers in Western Visayas to fully comply with the legally mandated wage hike and benefits for domestic helpers or kasambahay, stressing that delayed or non-payment will trigger inspections and possible sanctions.
Marking Araw ng mga Kasambahay on January 18, DOLE Region 6 director Atty. Sixto Rodriguez Jr. underscored the indispensable role of domestic workers while reminding employers that compliance with the Kasambahay Wage Order RBVI-DW-07, which sets the regional minimum wage at P6,500, is not optional but a legal obligation.
“Their dedication to performing various household tasks allows employers to focus on their work and better support their families,” Rodriguez said.
He noted that kasambahays play a crucial role not only in managing households but also in caring for children and safeguarding family properties, giving employers peace of mind.
Rodriguez urged employers to strictly follow minimum wage regulations and grant all benefits required under Republic Act 10361 or the Batas Kasambahay, warning that failure to implement the wage increase that took effect on November 19, 2025 constitutes a labor violation.
“The wage hike should be realized on the date specified. Any form of delayed or non-payment of wages, especially when accompanied by scheduled pay increases, constitutes a violation of labor regulations,” he stressed.
He added that DOLE-6 will not hesitate to deploy labor inspectors once complaints are received, noting that inspections will cover all affected workers, not only those who formally report violations.
The P6,500 minimum wage includes a P500 increase aimed at improving the income of domestic workers across the region. Rodriguez appealed to employers to comply proactively, emphasizing that many kasambahays are hesitant to file complaints.
“It is crucial that employers recognize the hard work of their kasambahays and provide them with fair compensation. Not all kasambahays approach us to voice their concerns; hence, I urge all employers to follow the order diligently,” he said.
DOLE-6 said the intensified advocacy forms part of a broader push to uphold dignity, fairness, and legal protection for domestic workers in Western Visayas./PN
