MANILA, Philippines — One of the principal authors of the “kasambahay” (househelp) bill is counting on Congress to pass the bill that would provide comprehensive package of benefits to household workers "within the year" amid its busy schedule with the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona.

Democratic Independent Workers' Alliance (DIWA) party-list Rep. Emmeline Aglipay expressed hope that the consolidated “kasambahay” bill will be passed before the year ends, saying that attending to the needs of the household workers should also be given attention by her colleagues in the lower chamber.

"I am hopeful that it will be passed within the year. The committee has not come up with a committee report yet, so hopefully by the time we resume by May it will be certified as a priority," she said.

She reminded fellow lawmakers that the measure, which is a consolidation of five bills, has been certified as urgent by President Benigno S. Aquino III.

Lawmakers earlier raised concern about the “damage” done by the Aquino administration on the economy, governance and legislation because of its “inordinate focus” on the impeachment trial.

Aglipay, principal author of House Bill 1815 or Magna Carta of Household Helpers, said they are awaiting the position paper to be submitted by employers representing the different homeowners' associations before they could draft the committee report and endorse the bill to the plenary for second reading. "I will make a motion next meeting that the committee secretary collates the position papers by March," she said.

She disclosed that consolidated bill "has been approved in the sub-committee" and has yet to be endorsed to the plenary for second reading. The bill seeks to benefit domestic workers numbering to about 600,000 to 2.5 million.

Apart from Aglipay, Cavite Rep. Lani Mercado-Revilla, Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco, San Juan Rep. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito and Ilocos Sur Rep. Ryan Luis Singson also authored the four other kasambahay bills.