The Telecommuting Law

The Telecommuting Law "My employer allowed me to render work from home. I have been doing this since last year, and I am very happy with such arrangement. Then I heard that there is a new law that was enacted, which was all about work from home arrangements. I just want to know the effect of this law on our present work from home arrangement. PeppaDear Peppa, Section 9 of the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) Department Order 202, Series of 2019 provides for the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 11165, otherwise known as the “Telecommuting Act,” viz:“Section 9. Effect on Existing Agreements and Company Practice or Policy. The terms of any similar voluntary agreement between an employee and an employer, such as existing company practice or policy allowing work from home or similar arrangements providing substantially similar or higher benefits, entered before the effective date of Republic Act 11165 and this Rule shall not be impaired, provided that the employer shall notify the DoLE of such agreement.” (Emphasis supplied) Clearly, the existing agreements that allow work from home and other similar arrangements that provide for similar or higher benefits as those provided under the Telecommuting Act shall not be impaired by the newly enacted act. In your situation, your present “work from home” arrangement shall not be affected by the “Telecommuting Act, provided that your employer notifies the DoLE about the said act.This opinion is solely based on the facts you have narrated and our appreciation of the same. The opinion may vary when the facts are changed or further elaborated. We hope that we were able to enlighten you on the matter. Editor’s note: Dear PAO is a daily column of the Public Attorney’s Office. Questions for Chief Acosta may be sent to " - https://www.affordablecebu.com/