Ruffa Gutierrez Stands By Her Mayordoma, Denies Firing Kasambahay Without Pay

Ruffa Gutierrez and former COMELEC commsioner Rowena Guanzon were caught in a Twitter confrontation. Guanzon, who is also a lawyer, had tweeted a blind item on the of night July 7, narrating an incident involving two helpers that needed to be "rescued" from a "first-class village" after being fired without pay. In the morning of July 8, she retweeted herself and added, "Ms [sic] Ruffa Gutierrez is is [sic] true ?"

Ruffa, who has been filming VIVA Films' Maid In Malacanang (where she depicts former First Lady Imelda Marcos) since June, claimed she has hardly even been home. The household helpers that were released from duty allegedly left voluntarily after they got into an argument with Ruffa's 68-year-old mayordoma and other kasambahay.

The mayordoma has been with Ruffa's family for the last 18 years while the helpers in conflict had supposedly only been with the household for about two weeks. Ruffa said she considers her household help "family" and added, "Through thick and thin, ika nga."

Ruffa reiterated that she did not fire anyone. While she was informed of the situation, she consented to the helpers leaving after she got back home so she could speak to them first. The helpers apparently left before Ruffa had a chance to clarify matters. She ended the thread with Guanzon by saying that her lawyers were handling the situation.

What does the Kasambahay Law say about the situation?

According to R.A. 10361, or the Kasambahay Law, the employer and the domestic worker should have a contract that details the following:

• Duties and responsibilities of the kasambahay
• Period of employment and compensation
• Work hours and provisions for additional pay
• Rest days and allowable leaves
• Food and lodging
• Termination of employment
• Other conditions agreed upon by both parties and permitted by the law

With Ruffa bringing in the services of her lawyers, they are likely to defend the conditions of the contract. They may pay particular attention to any claims made by the domestic helpers (if they choose to file a case) on their period of employment, compensation, and termination and put this side-by-side with agreements set forth before they started working in Ruffa's home.

Find out more about the Kasambahay Law in this guide.

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