Akbayan Party-list Representative Chel Diokno has introduced a measure in Congress aimed at safeguarding student interns from exploitation, unsafe work environments, and unjust labor practices.
House Bill 5081, or the Interns’ Rights and Welfare Bill, seeks to ensure that students undergoing required internships are given fair compensation, benefits, and workplace protection.
“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,” Diokno said in a video posted on X alongside content creator Russco Jarviña.
Under the proposal, interns assigned to government offices would receive 75 percent of Salary Grade 1, Step 1, while those in private institutions would be paid 75 percent of the regional minimum wage. The pay would be tax-exempt and prorated based on the number of hours worked.
The bill also mandates written internship contracts, insurance coverage, a clear program plan, and mechanisms to prevent harassment, discrimination, and excessive workloads. It further includes an eight-hour rest period between shifts and additional pay for duties rendered during weekends or holidays.
Diokno’s proposed measure is among five youth-centered bills under Akbayan’s legislative agenda, alongside the Baon Bill, Students’ Rights and Welfare Act, Magna Carta for Out-of-School Youth, and the Protektadong Online Workers, Entrepreneurs, Riders at Raketera Act.
