Lawmakers unanimously approve work-from-home bill
A bill allowing private sector employees to work outside of the office through ‘telecommuting’ has been approved by the House of Representatives. A total of 239 lawmakers voted to pass the legislation on the third and final reading of House Bill No. 7402 which allows private sector employees to work offsite with the use of telecommunication or computer technologies through a flexible work arrangement. Under the bill, employers can offer a telecommuting alternative to its employees on a voluntary basis, but both sides must agree upon certain terms and conditions. These shall include compensable work hours, the minimum number of work hours, overtime, rest days and entitlement to leave benefits. The bill, principally authored by Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte Jr., also requires employers to ensure that telecommuting workers are given equal treatment to those working at the company’s premises.
