“Work From Home” Bill Signed Into Law by Duterte

For employees in the private sector, 2019 is off to a good start.

President Duterte has recently signed Republic Act No. 11165 or the Telecommuting Act, which allows employees in the private sector to work from home.

Telecommuting, as defined by the law, is a work arrangement that permits an employee to work from an alternative workplace with the use of telecommunication and computer technologies.

Employers’ Responsibilities

Employers, however, aren’t required to establish telecommuting arrangements according to the law. Instead, those arrangements must be offered to their employees “on a voluntary basis.”

The Telecommuting Act also stresses that employers should guarantee that “telecommuting employees are given the same treatment as that of comparable employees working at the employer’s premises,” which include pay and benefits.

In consultation with stakeholders, the labor secretary is set to come up with implementing rules and regulations within 60 days.