Sen. Hontiveros files bill protecting rights of interns

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 10) — A lawmaker has filed a bill seeking to protect interns from abuse in the workplace.

Senator Risa Hontiveros filed Senate Bill (SB) No. 994 on September 2, as a response to "internship horror stories," saying it is "time to stop the abuse and exploitation of interns as part of our education and labor policies."

Hontiveros she said interns contribute greatly to the productivity of companies and it is to the country's best interest "that their rights are protected and their service not just be compensated.

In a statement, Hontiveros said internship programs were meant for students to learn about their future workplace as well as develop their skills.

"Internship is not an excuse for employers to take advantage of cheap or free labor... Dahil walang employer-employee relationship, maraming nagiging kaso ng exploitation at kawalan ng professional growth,” she said.

[Translation: Internship is not an excuse for employers to take advantage of cheap or free labor... Because there is no employer-employee relationship, it becomes a case of exploitation and lack of professional growth.]

The proposed bill aims to ensure the following rights for interns: reasonable work hours; just compensation for hours of services rendered; protection against discriminatory practices based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, ethnicity, religion, and disability; and, protection against sexual harassment and other derogatory or exploitative activities at any point during their internship.

The bill says interns' duties should be clearly outlined and they should be given due process before termination for any committed violation or insufficient requirements.

SB 994 also seeks to provide basic benefits and remuneration (75 percent of the prevailing minimum wage in the region for private companies and 75 percent of Step 1 Salary Grade 1 for interns in the public sector), appropriate funds for government agencies to host interns and promote public and civil service among young people, and establish a grievance mechanism to address any violation of basic interns’ rights.

The bill also seeks to put a cap on internship hours.

Government internship programs should not exceed 300 hours and should not last more than six months. Industry-based internships programs, meanwhile, are capped at 660 hours per semester, which is equivalent to 15 units per term.

"Our country’s policy on interns reflects how we value humane and decent work. It is time to put a stop to internship horror stories. It is time to stop the abuse and exploitation of interns as part of our education and labor policies," said Hontiveros.