Being an intern in the Philippines can be very demoralizing when you consider the way they are

being treated. No pay for hours of work, passion and dedication can really lead to a big burnout which
kills a career before it even starts. However, with the new bill being presented by senator Risa
Hontiveros, interns may finally have the compensation they longed for.

The Intern's rights and Welfare bill talks about compensation and benefits for interns in
companies in the Philippines. In this bill, they are given the right to monetary benefits and other
intrinsic benefits that could help them in their career. The bill has three major provisions; the bill
protects all interns from any form of workplace abuse and harassment. Funds will be appropriated for
government agencies to host interns in order to promote public and civil service among young people.
In addition, Senate Bill No. 994 seeks to provide basic benefits and remuneration 75% of the prevailing
minimum wage in the region for private companies. This could mean big changes for the people who
are willing to hone their careers through internship since this bill prohibits any abuse by the companies.

"Internship is for students and young people to learn more about the workplace and to deepen
their craft. Internship is not an excuse for employers to take advantage of cheap or free labor." This was
the statement made by Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros. The passing of this bill will greatly benefit
interns because benefits that are stated in the provisions will definitely motivate them into doing more
work and by the effect of this bill, more conducive environment of working will rise and would change
the stigma about interns in private companies.
Sources

http://www.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2019/0910_hontiveros2.asp

https://www.senate.gov.ph/lisdata/3140628300!.pdf

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/09/10/hontiveros-files-bill-protecting-interns-rights-and-welfare/