SOME three million domestic helpers throughout the nation stand to benefit from the measure seeking to improve their working conditions—but the proposed law still gathers cobwebs in Malacañang after a month of its passage in Congress.

Rep. Juan “Jackie” Ponce Enrile Jr. of the first district of Cagayan, reminded President Benigno Aquino 3rd to also give priority to the welfare of household helpers by signing into law the so-called kasambahay bill.

“To begin with, President Noy Aquino should be lauded for his political will in pushing for the enactment into law of two controversial measures, the Sin Tax Law and the RH [Reproductive Health] Law that he firmly believed would ultimately result to the benefit of the greater number of our people.

“Along this line, President Aquino would be further demonstrating his concern to the poorer members of our society if he signs into law, the kasambahay bill that was already approved by both chambers of Congress and is now just waiting for his signature,” Enrile said.

Records show that it was Enrile, during his first term in the 11th Congress, who filed the first bill seeking to uplift the working condition of household workers.

“In the light of his recent legislative triumphs with the sin tax law and the RH law, I think this is the proper time for the President to sign the kasambahay bill into law for the benefit of the millions of household workers in the country,” noted Enrile.

Enrile is among the leading candidates for the Senate in the coming election this May under the United Nationalist Alliance.

Once signed into law by the president, Enrile noted that some three million household workers would immediately share in its many benefits.

The benefits contained in the bicameral report submitted to Malacañang include the setting of a minimum wage of P2,500 a month in Metro Manila, P2,000 for those in chartered cities and first class municipalities and P1,500 a month in other municipalities.

Employers shall also provide their kasambahays with contribution to the Social Security System, PhilHealth and Pag-Ibig, besides the monthly pay and basic needs like food, board and lodging and medical assistance.