By: Aliahcorr Balanon
Photo courtesy of Jonathan Cellona / ABS-CBN News
Lawmakers have filed a bill in the House of Representatives that seeks to ensure fair compensation, benefits, and protections for student interns for a stronger protection against abuse and exploitation.
The proposed measure is known as the House Bill No. 5081 or the Interns’ Rights and Welfare Bill, authored by Akbayan Representatives Chel Diokno, Perci Cendaña, Dadah Kiram Ismula, and Dinagat Islands Rep. Arlene Bag-ao, aims to protect interns from exploitation, abuse, and unsafe workplaces.
The bill proposes that interns receive 75% of the minimum wage as a stipend or allowance.
“Sa panukalang ito, ang mga university at college students na required mag-internship ay may karapatan sa just compensation, tamang working hours, leaves, proteksyon vs diskriminasyon, sexual harassment, abuse at exploitation, atbp,” said Diokno.
Under the proposed law, student interns in government offices would receive 75% of Salary Grade 1, Step 1, while those in private firms will be compensated with 75% of the regional minimum wage, according to hours worked.
The bill also requires a memorandum of agreement and internship contract between the schools and the employer specifying the rights and obligations of both parties, and the duration schedule of the internship shall not exceed 300 hours or six months, and the compensation.
A multi-agency task force composed of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Civil Service Commission (CSC), and student representatives would be created to monitor compliance, handle complaints, and sanction violators.
“No student should have to choose between learning and being taken advantage of. Our duty is to ensure quality education and fair treatment,” Diokno said.
Currently, no law mandates compensation for interns, and existing guidelines under CHED Memorandum Order No. 104, Series of 2017, only recommend allowances such as free meals and transportation support.