Duterte Ratifies Work From Home Bill into A New Law
President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law the Telecommuting Act which allows employees in the private sector to work from their homes as an alternative workplace.
The work from home bill is now a law signed by President Duterte /IMAGE Philippine Communications Operations Office
According to the Republic Act No. 11165, titled the Telecommuting Act, the term “telecommuting” is defined as a work arrangement wherein employees can use telecommunications or computer technologies from home as an alternative workplace. It was approved by Duterte last December 20, 2018, but was only made public on January 10.
Also read: Expats’ Guide to Working in the Philippines
Under the new law, employers may now offer their employees the work from home or telecommuting program as an alternative workplace on a voluntary basis, provided that the terms and conditions shall meet the minimum labor standards of the law. This grants telecommuting employees of equal rights, protection, and compensation, including benefits such as overtime pay, rest days, training opportunities, and collective rights as of those employees who work on site.
The Department of Labor and Employment is also tasked to establish a Telecommuting Pilot Program in selected industries for at least three years to provide research work about the newly passed law.
The act was authored by Senator Joel Villanueva which simply aims to promote workers’ work-life balance and to address the traffic congestion problem that affects the country’s economy.
Also read: Expat’s Guide to Legal Assistance in the Philippines
Written by Deneca Ordinanza
Source: Philippine News Agency, Official Gazette, Senate of the Philippines
