11314
January 20, 2025
4:25 pm


Given the significant contributions and vulnerabilities of both formal and 
informal waste workers, there is a pressing need for a Magna Carta or 
comprehensive legislation to protect their rights, improve their working conditions, 
and integrate them into formal waste management systems. 
A Magna Carta for waste workers would not only safeguard their rights and 
well-being but also contribute to the development of a more inclusive, sustainable, 
and equitable waste management system in the Philippines. It would recognize the 
dignity and value of waste workers' labor and empower them to lead healthier, more 
secure lives while contributing to environmental conservation and community 
resilience. 
In line with the policy adopted by its original proponent Senator Loren 
Legarda, this bill serves as a counter-part House Bill. It is for the reasons stated 
above that the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 


1
NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES     )
Third Regular Session
)
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
House Bill No._______
Introduced by Hon. Antonio B. Legarda Jr.
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE MAGNA CARTA OF WASTE WORKERS
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:
TITLE I
1
GENERAL PROVISIONS
2
CHAPTER I
3
BASIC PRINCIPLE
4
SECTION 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known as the “Magna Carta of
5
Waste Workers.”
6
SEC 2. Declaration of Policy. In recognition of the vital role played by Waste
7
Workers in preserving public health, environmental sustainability, and the overall
8
well-being of our communities, the State shall endeavor to develop plans, policies,
9
programs, measures, and mechanisms rooted in principles of fairness and social
10
justice, safeguarding the rights and dignity of Waste Workers. These policies shall
11
seek to empower and create a conducive and safe working environment for those
12
engaged in the critical task of waste management.
13
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2
The State, shall give an assurance of the inherent right of Waste Workers to a
1
work
environment
that
preserves
their
dignity,
safety,
and
well-being.
2
Discrimination, harassment, or exploitation in any form shall be unequivocally
3
condemned. Moreover, Waste Workers shall be entitled to fair compensation
4
reflective of their responsibilities, skills, and the hazardous nature of their work,
5
accompanied by comprehensive benefits that prioritize their health and safety.
6
The State, acknowledging the unique challenges of the job, shall emphasize
7
the importance of establishing and enforcing robust occupational health and safety
8
standards. Adequate training, provision of protective gear, and access to medical
9
support are essential components of ensuring the overall welfare of Waste Workers.
10
R.A. 6969 or Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of
11
1990, Section 4, provides that one of the objectives of the Act is to give specific
12
attention to active implementation and monitoring. And period reviews shall be
13
directed towards the management of hazardous waste, with the implementation of
14
stringent measures and specialized training to mitigate associated risks.
15
The State, beyond individual well-being, shall place a spotlight on advocacy
16
and awareness through state-funded training and education regarding the proper
17
handling, segregation and disposal of solid waste which is in line with Article 3
18
Section 23 of R.A. 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2003, and
19
the identification and handling of hazardous and toxic chemicals and substances
20
including but not limited to residual and healthcare wastes. Collaborative efforts
21
involving the government, civil society, and the private sector aim to raise public
22
awareness about the vital contributions of Waste Workers and foster a culture of
23
respect for their profession. Simultaneously, Waste Workers shall be positioned as
24
advocates for sustainable waste management practices, playing a crucial role in
25
promoting waste reduction and diversion initiatives.
26
The State, in the implementation and monitoring, shall establish mechanisms
27
to ensure the effective enforcement of this Act. A dedicated government body shall
28
oversee compliance with its provisions, addressing any violations promptly. There
29
shall be regular assessments of working conditions, benefits, and overall well-being
30


3
of Waste Workers conducted, with policy adjustments made as necessary to address
1
emerging challenges.
2
SEC 3. Coverage. The provisions of this law shall apply to all persons
3
employed, contracted or engaged, and all those economically dependent from the
4
marginalized sectors, in activities on the management, collection, transportation,
5
processing and disposal of solid wastes, hazardous wastes, and toxic chemicals and
6
substances including but not limited to residual and healthcare wastes.
7
CHAPTER II
8
DEFINITION OF TERMS
9
SEC 4. Definitions. For purposes of this Magna Carta, the following terms shall
10
mean:
11
(a)
Waste Workers shall include all persons in the marginalized sectors
12
whose livelihood is dependent on waste management, collection,
13
transportation, processing, and disposal, including but not limited to,
14
garbage collectors, waste pickers, segregators and recyclers.
15
Regardless of whether employed by the government or private sector,
16
contracted for services, or belonging to the informal waste sector, the
17
determination of being a waste worker, for the purposes of this Act,
18
shall lie on the nature of their livelihood, and their inclusion to the
19
disadvantaged, and vulnerable groups who are mostly living in
20
poverty and have little or no access to basic resources, social and
21
economic services such as health care, education, housing security, and
22
the justice system.
23
(b)
Rights and benefits shall refer to all rights and benefits accorded to
24
workers by the 1987 Philippine Constitution, Presidential Decree No.
25
442 or the Labor Code of the Philippines, and relevant local and
26
international human rights instruments and labor standards. These
27
refer to the rights and benefits that the State shall guarantee to all
28
workers.
29


4
(c)
Government refers to entities established by the government or
1
government-operated
services
and
facilities,
which
may
include
2
departments, agencies, authorities, training institutions, and local
3
government units that work on the protection and welfare of Waste
4
Workers.
5
(d)
Private sector refers to persons, partnerships, corporations, firms, or
6
associations
privately
owned
and
established,
whether
or
not
7
organized for profit, that privately run waste management system.
8
(e)
Informal
sector
refers
to
the
individuals
and
families
who
are
9
independent, neither organized, contracted, financed, managed, nor
10
reported upon by the governmental authorities.
11
(f)
Self-organization refers to the act of forming, joining and/or assisting
12
organizations or associations, not contrary to law, in order to promote,
13
defend, and/or protect their mutual interests and/or extend mutual
14
aid.
15
TITLE II
16
RIGHTS AND PROTECTION OF WASTE WORKERS
17
CHAPTER I
18
COMMON PROVISIONS
19
SEC 5. Right to Decent Work. The State shall progressively realize and ensure
20
decent work standards for Waste Workers that are just and centered on the rights of
21
the Waste Workers. The State shall further ensure protection from occupational and
22
health hazards, and support services that will promote and fulfill the rights of Waste
23
Workers. Decent work involves job security, social protection, work opportunities
24
that provide for just and humane compensation, and a safe working environment,
25
which includes safe equipment, policies, and procedures.
26
SEC 6. Right to Participation and Information. All waste workers have the right
27
to participate, as well as decide, and access information relating to policies on Waste
28


5
Workers that affect their lives and well-being, including but not limited to programs,
1
projects, training, and workshops. Waste workers shall have the right to participate
2
actively and meaningfully in decisions that affect their work, health, and welfare.
3
Participation shall encompass involvement in the formulation, implementation, and
4
evaluation of policies, regulations, and practices related to waste management.
5
Acknowledging the critical importance of workers’ participation, it is
6
mandated that waste workers be represented
in both the City or Municipality Solid
7
Waste
Management
Board
(SWM
Board)
and
the
Barangay
Solid
Waste
8
Management Board (BSW Board), governed by the following guidelines:
9
a) At least one seat in the SWM Board shall be allocated for a
10
representative(s) of waste workers directly involved in solid waste
11
management activities within the jurisdiction.
12
b) The waste worker representative(s) shall be selected through a
13
transparent and inclusive process.
14
c) The waste worker representative(s) shall report back to their respective
15
constituencies on SWM Board activities, decisions, and outcomes.
16
d) The SWM Board shall periodically review the effectiveness of worker
17
representation
and
make
adjustments
as
necessary
to
ensure
18
meaningful participation and accountability.
19
SEC 7. Social Protection. The State shall ensure that all Waste Workers are
20
afforded with Social Security System (SSS) or Government Service Insurance System
21
(GSIS), as the case may be, Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-Ibig), and
22
Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).
23
SEC 8. Right to Recognition. The State, private sector, society in general, and all
24
individuals shall actively work towards the recognition, respect, and promotion of
25
the rights of Waste Workers defined and guaranteed under this Act.
26
SEC 9. Protection from Discriminatory Acts. Waste Workers shall not be
27
subjected to any form of discrimination. Any person who shall discriminate against
28
Waste Workers shall be guilty of discrimination acts and shall suffer a penalty of
29
arresto mayor in its maximum period and/or a fine of not less than fifty thousand
30


6
pesos (P50,000), but not more than One hundred fifty thousand pesos (P150,000), at
1
the discretion of the court.
2
SEC 10. Hazard Allowance. Waste Workers, who are exposed to health and
3
occupational hazards or elements involving high risk of perils to life, limbs, or likely
4
deterioration of health shall be compensated with hazard allowance.
5
SEC 11. Annual Medical, Dental, Mental, and Psychosocial Examination. Waste
6
workers shall be provided with annual medical services including but not limited to
7
physical, dental, mental, and psychosocial examinations.
8
SEC 12. Personal Protective Equipment, Vaccination, and Other Prophylaxis. Waste
9
Workers, as frontliners of solid waste management, shall be provided with
10
appropriate personal protective equipment, free vaccinations, multivitamins, and
11
other prophylaxis medicines against common and present diseases.
12
SEC 13. Occupational Health and Safety Standards Program. The State shall take
13
measures to establish, organize, and maintain an occupational health program for all
14
Waste Workers.
15
CHAPTER II
16
WASTE WORKERS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR
17
SEC 14. Minimum wage. Waste workers shall be paid no less than the
18
minimum wage for non-agricultural workers set by the Regional Tripartite Wages
19
and Productivity Board in their respective regions. Payment of wages shall be made
20
at least once every two (2) weeks or twice a month at intervals not exceeding sixteen
21
days. Except in cases of force majeure or circumstances beyond the employer’s
22
control, no employer shall make payment with less frequency than once a month.
23
The employer shall pay the wages immediately after such force majeure or
24
circumstances have ceased.
25
SEC 15. Work Days and Work Hours. The normal hours of work of Waste
26
Workers should not exceed eight (8) hours per day for five (5) days a week,
27
including Saturdays. If their work hours fall between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., they
28


7
are entitled to night shift differential pay of not less than ten percent (10%) of their
1
regular wage for each hour of work in addition to their pay for regular work hours.
2
SEC 16. Overtime Pay. A Waste Worker who performs work beyond eight (8)
3
hours a day shall be paid with additional compensation of overtime pay equivalent
4
to his regular wage plus at least twenty-five percent (25%) thereof. Work performed
5
beyond eight hours on a holiday or rest day shall be paid an additional
6
compensation equivalent to the rate of the first eight hours on a holiday or rest day
7
plus at least thirty percent (30%) thereof.
8
SEC 17. Holiday Pay. Where a Waste Worker is made or permitted to work on
9
his or her scheduled rest day, he or she shall be paid an additional compensation of
10
at least thirty percent (30%) of his or her regular wage.
11
The Waste Worker may be required by his or her employer to work on a
12
regular holiday but he or she shall be paid a compensation twice his or her regular
13
rate. For the purpose of this paragraph, “holiday” shall mean any of the days
14
enumerated under Para. C, Art. 94 of the Labor Code of the Philippines.
15
Work performed on any special holiday shall be paid an additional
16
compensation of at least thirty percent (30%) of the regular wage of the employee.
17
Where such holiday work falls on the employee’s scheduled rest day, he or she shall
18
be entitled to an additional compensation of at least fifty percent (50%) of his regular
19
wage.
20
Where the collective bargaining agreement or other applicable employment
21
contract stipulates the payment of a higher premium pay than that prescribed under
22
this Section, the employer shall pay such a higher rate.
23
SEC 18. Enforcement of Labor Laws. All other relevant provisions including but
24
not limited to conditions of employment, health, safety and social welfare, labor
25
relations, and post-employment set forth by Presidential Decree No. 442 or the Labor
26
Code of the Philippines and Presidential Decree 851 shall apply to Waste Workers.
27
SEC 19. Health Services. Waste Workers shall have access to comprehensive
28
health services provided by a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), which
29
covers hospitalization and regular medical check-ups in accredited hospitals,
30
medical facilities, and clinics.
31


8
SEC 20. Security of Tenure. No Waste Worker can be dismissed from work
1
except for a just or authorized cause, and only after due process.
2
SEC 21. Independent Waste Worker Organization. Waste Workers have the right
3
to self-organization, to form or join a legitimate worker’s union, free from
4
interference of their employer or the government in order to promote, defend, and
5
protect their mutual interests and/or extend mutual aid. All Waste Workers may
6
join a union for the purpose of collective bargaining and are eligible for union
7
membership on the first day of their employment.
8
SEC 22. Non-Abridgement of the Right to Self-Organization. No person shall be
9
allowed to restrain, coerce, or unduly interfere with the Waste Workers in the
10
exercise of their right to self-organization in accordance with law.
11
It shall be unlawful for any person to commit the following acts of restraint,
12
coercion, or undue interference:
13
a) To prevent a Waste Worker from carrying out his or her duties in his
14
organization or association;
15
b) To discriminate in hiring a Waste Worker or setting unfavorable
16
conditions upon him or her to discourage him or her from membership
17
in any organization or association;
18
c) To require as a condition of employment that a Waste Worker must not
19
join any organization or association;
20
d) To interfere in the functioning and administration of the organization
21
or association.
22
SEC 23. Transportation, Communication, and Subsistence Allowance. Waste
23
Workers who are required to render service in the field during emergencies and
24
disasters in order to make their services available at any time shall be entitled to a
25
full subsistence allowance of three (3) meals which may be computed under
26
prevailing circumstances.
27
SEC 24. Longevity Pay. A monthly longevity pay equivalent to five percent (5%)
28
of the monthly basic pay shall be paid to a Waste Worker for every five (5) years of
29
continuous, effective, and meritorious services rendered as certified by the
30
immediate supervisor concerned.
31


9
SEC 25. Laundry Allowance. Waste Workers who are required to wear
1
uniforms regularly shall be entitled to a laundry allowance equivalent to One
2
Hundred Fifty (150) Pesos per month, to be effective from the date of enactment of
3
this law. The Laundry compensation or allowance shall be adjusted annually based
4
on the Consumer Price Index to account for inflation.
5
SEC 26. Hazard Allowance. Waste Workers in the private sector, who are
6
exposed to health and occupational hazards or elements involving a high risk of
7
perils to life, limbs, or likely deterioration of health shall be compensated with
8
hazard allowance.
9
CHAPTER III
10
WASTE WORKERS IN THE GOVERNMENT
11
SEC 27. Coverage. This Chapter shall apply to all persons rendering services in
12
the Government for compensation, regardless of status of employment and/or
13
engaged or contracted for services.
14
SEC 28. Right to self-organization. Waste Workers of government corporations
15
established under the Corporation Code shall have the right to organize and to
16
bargain collectively with their respective employers. All other employees in the civil
17
service shall have the right to form associations for purposes not contrary to law.
18
SEC 29. Health Care System. Every Waste Worker shall be guaranteed with a
19
health care delivery system and access to public or private primary care provider of
20
choice. The respective LGU shall establish a program and promulgate guidelines for
21
the availment of health care benefits.
22
SEC 30. Financial Assistance. The Local Government Unit shall endeavor to
23
provide assistance to Waste Workers in crisis situation including but not limited to,
24
medical assistance, burial, transportation, education, food, or financial assistance for
25
other support services or needs of a Waste Worker or family.
26
SEC 31. Cash Incentive. In recognition of the contribution of Waste Workers to
27
public
health
and
safety,
the
environment,
and
local
economy,
the
Local
28


10
Government Unit shall grant an annual cash incentive for all Waste Workers without
1
distinction.
2
SEC 32. Socialized Housing Program. The Local Government Unit shall, in the
3
implementation and development socialized housing program, ensure that Waste
4
Workers who are able to qualify under the guidelines shall be included as target
5
beneficiaries.
6
SEC 33. Hazard Allowance. Waste Workers in the government Sector, who are
7
exposed to health and occupational hazards or elements involving a high risk of
8
perils to life, limbs, or likely deterioration of health shall be compensated with
9
hazard allowance.
10
CHAPTER IV
11
INFORMAL WASTE WORKER SECTOR
12
Waste Workers in the informal sector are hereby guaranteed all civil, political,
13
social and economic rights recognized, promoted and protected under existing laws,
14
including, but not limited to, Article II, Section 9 of the 1987 Constitution, the
15
Republic Act No. 8425, otherwise known as the Social Reform and Poverty
16
Alleviation Act , and Republic Act No. 7875, otherwise known as the National
17
Health Insurance Act.
18
SEC 34. Formalization of Waste Workers. Waste Workers in the informal sector
19
shall have the right to form or join an association of waste workers for purposes not
20
contrary to law, and to promote, defend, and protect their mutual interests and/or
21
to extend mutual aid.
22
SEC 35. Recognition of Informal Waste Workers Organization. The organizations
23
or associations founded, formed, and established by Waste Workers in the informal
24
sector shall be registered with the Department of Labor and Employment.
25
SEC 36. Social Protection and Inclusion. The Department of Labor and
26
Employment, in consultation with the Department of Environment and Natural
27
Resources, Department of Health, Commission on Human Rights, and the Local
28
Government Units, shall develop programs for the informal sector of Waste Workers
29


11
and ensure their access to medical assistance, burial, transportation, education, food,
1
or financial assistance for other support services or needs.
2
TITLE III
3
PARTICIPATION OF GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
4
SEC 37. Role of DOLE and the Local Government Units. The local government
5
units shall be charged with the implementation of this Act in their respective
6
localities, in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment. It shall be
7
the responsibility of the LGU to:
8
a) Ensure the proper enforcement of labor standards, occupational safety,
9
and health regulations, as well as other pertinent laws and policies
10
related to Waste Workers within their jurisdiction. The LGU shall also
11
assist waste workers in their registration with DOLE;
12
b) Establish local mechanisms to monitor and address issues related to
13
Waste Workers, including but not limited to, workplace safety, social
14
protection, and access to training and skills development programs;
15
c) Submit periodic reports to the DOLE on the status of Waste Workers
16
within their jurisdictions, outlining the measures taken to address
17
issues related to employment and working conditions;
18
d) Advocate for the inclusion of Waste Workers in social protection
19
programs, working with DOLE to explore avenues for health insurance,
20
retirement benefits, and other welfare initiatives.
21
e) Implementation of barangay and municipality practices on Solid Waste
22
Management;
23
f)
Drafting and
Implementation of 10-year plans
on Solid
Waste
24
Management and Disposal;
25
g) Equip the Waste Workers directly dealing with waste with personal
26
protective
equipment,
and
other
necessary
resources
to
ensure
27
protection from hazards brought about by handling waste;
28
h) Submit
periodic
reports
to
the
DENR
on
the
status
of
the
29


12
implementation of the Solid Waste Management and Disposal to
1
address issues and concerns related to waste management and
2
disposal;
3
i)
Ensure inclusion and active participation of Waste Workers groups or
4
associations in governing bodies or councils responsible for waste
5
management oversight.
6
The DOLE shall:
7
a) Establish guidelines and mechanisms for coordination in overseeing
8
the working conditions, rights, and benefits of Waste Workers;
9
b) Provide
technical
assistance
to
LGUs
in
the
formulation
and
10
implementation of programs and initiatives aimed at improving the
11
welfare of Waste Workers;
12
c) Conduct capacity-building
programs for local authorities,
waste
13
management agencies, and other relevant stakeholders;
14
d) Enhance employment opportunities through trade policies and skill
15
building;
16
e) Establish guidelines and mechanisms for the application of the
17
occupational health and safety regulations as well as the regular
18
reporting of the working conditions of the Waste Workers;
19
f)
Promulgate the basis for the adjustment of monetary allowances based
20
on the annual inflation;
21
g) Assist the LGUs in providing necessary training to the collectors and
22
personnel in accordance with the waste management plan of the LGUs.
23
SEC 38. Role of DSWD. The Department of Social Welfare and Development
24
shall be in charge of the social protection of the Waste Workers through:
25
a) Adoption of Social Insurance Policy which aims to mitigate income
26
risks by applying diversification, a risk management technique
27
through a shared fund. This includes programs for micro-insurance
28
payment
that
will
help
shield
the
Waste
Workers
from
the
29


13
unforeseeable risk of unemployment due to sickness, retrenchment,
1
national security issues, and national health issues;
2
b) Provision of resources and basic minimum requirements to the
3
marginalized sector to aid in the employment as Waste Workers. This
4
shall include assistance programs through cash or in-kind transfers as
5
well as alternative care and referral services;
6
c) Provision of Social Safety Nets to respond to urgent issues like
7
disasters, calamities, economic shocks, pandemics and epidemics that
8
will affect the vulnerable part of the waste workforce. These measures
9
include
emergency
assistance,
price
subsidies,
food
programs,
10
employment programs in partnership with DOLE, retraining programs
11
and emergency loans, and health assistance;
12
The DSWD, in partnership with the Barangay and Municipal Officials, shall
13
maintain national and regional profiles of beneficiaries of the programs to be shared
14
with the appropriate stakeholders to assess the applicability and the development of
15
comprehensive statistics for Waste Workers.
16
SEC 39. Role of DENR. The Department of Environment and Natural
17
Resources shall be responsible to:
18
a) Ensure that the Solid Waste Management and Disposal plans of the
19
LGUs are properly implemented, as per Republic Act 9003;
20
b) Conduct capacity building with the Waste Workers, LGUs, waste
21
management
agencies,
and
other
relevant
stakeholders
on
the
22
assessment of the impact of Waste Workers on climate change.
23
c) Conduct seminars and workshops on the proper waste management
24
and disposal to help minimize environmental effects specifically
25
climate change;
26
d) Provide technical assistance to LGUs in identifying and implementing
27
best practices on the conduct of work of Waste Workers that minimizes
28
environmental effects;
29
e) Identify areas with a high risk of adverse environmental effects of
30
waste and implement a mitigation plan through the aid of Waste
31


14
Workers; and
1
f)
Provide economic incentives and assistance to local governments for
2
their waste reduction, sustainable waste management, safe disposal,
3
and recycling initiatives.
4
SEC 40. Role of TESDA. The Technical Education and Skills Development
5
Authority shall:
6
a) Adopt a training program for the proper waste collection, recovery,
7
and safe handling and disposal of wastes as per Republic Act No. 9003
8
or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000;
9
b) Certify and accredit technical and vocational education and training
10
programs for waste workers to ensure that they receive recognized
11
qualifications for their knowledge and skills, and to improve their
12
employability and working conditions. For this purpose, TESDA shall
13
develop training curricula to meet the demands of various industries
14
for waste workers; and
15
c) Collaborate with various stakeholders, including government agencies,
16
industry partners, and educational institutions to provide an effective
17
training and development of framework for waste workers.
18
SEC 41. Role of the Department of Health. The Department of Health shall:
19
a) Provide for health programs, services, and facilities for waste workers
20
as may be needed, subject to availability of funds and administrative
21
rules and regulations - including, but not limited to:
22
i.
Vaccinations;
23
ii.
Anti Tetanus shots;
24
iii.
Periodic health check-up;
25
iv.
Annual Physical Examinations;
26
v.
Provision of Supplements and necessary medicines.
27
b) Coordinate or collaborate with, and assist local communities, agencies
28
and interested groups in the implementation of programs catered for
29
waste workers.
30
c) Collect,
analyze
and
disseminate
statistical
and
other
relevant
31


15
information on the waste worker’s health situation, and to revise the
1
Department’s programs based on the outcome of the statistics; and
2
d) Propagate health information and educate the waste workers on health
3
hazards and environmental impacts to their health, geared to prevent
4
health related problems while performing their duties.
5
SEC 42. Role of the Public Attorney’s Office. The Public Attorney’s Office (PAO)
6
shall have the following responsibilities:
7
a) Provide waste workers with free access to courts, judicial, and
8
quasi-judicial agencies by ensuring that they receive adequate legal
9
representation, counseling, and assistance;
10
b) Waste workers who encounter legal issues related to their employment,
11
working conditions, or rights violations shall have the right to seek
12
assistance from PAO, which shall endeavor to provide timely and
13
effective support;
14
c) Offer counseling and assistance to waste workers through personalized
15
legal support and guidance, and empower waste workers to assert
16
their rights and seek redress for any injustices or grievances they may
17
face in the course of their work;
18
d) Conduct awareness campaigns and outreach programs targeted at
19
waste workers, ensuring that they are informed about their legal
20
entitlements and the services available to them through PAO; and
21
e) Collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies,
22
non-governmental organizations,
and
legal advocacy
groups,
to
23
address systemic issues affecting waste workers and advocate for
24
policy reforms that uphold their rights and welfare; and
25
f)
Provide waste workers with legal assistance and representation during
26
mediation and arbitration proceedings aimed at resolving labor
27
disputes.
28
TITLE IV
29
FINAL PROVISIONS
30


16
SEC 43. Implementing Rules and Regulations. The Secretary of the Environment
1
and Natural Resources, after consultation with the participating Government
2
agencies as specified in Title III of this Act, as well as professional and environment
3
and natural resources workers’ organizations or unions, shall formulate and prepare
4
the necessary rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act. Rules
5
and regulations issued pursuant to this Section shall take effect thirty (30) days after
6
publication in a newspaper of general circulation.
7
SEC 44. Special Treatment for Benefits of Waste Workers. All benefits received by
8
a Waste Worker under this law, including but not limited to, benefits given to
9
rank-and-file employees, whether granted under a collective bargaining agreement
10
or not, fringe benefits, and de minimis benefits, are not taxable pursuant to Section
11
33 (C)(3) of the Republic Act 8424 (Tax Reform Act of 1997).
12
SEC 45. Waste Workers Appreciation Day. It is hereby declared that the last
13
Sunday of January of every year as Waste Workers Appreciation Day in recognition
14
of the invaluable contributions made by our waste workers to keep our communities
15
clean and safe.
16
SEC 46. Penalties. Any person or group who shall willfully interfere with,
17
restrain or coerce any Waste Worker in the exercise of their rights guaranteed by this
18
Act or who shall in any other manner commit any act to defeat any of the provisions
19
of this Act shall, upon conviction, be held liable under this Act.
20
SEC 47. Appropriations/Funding. The initial funding requirements for the
21
implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current appropriations of the
22
agencies
concerned.
Thereafter,
such
sums
as
may
be
necessary
for
the
23
implementation of this Act shall be included in the agencies’ yearly budgets under
24
the General Appropriations Act.
25
SEC 48. Separability Clause. If any provision of this Act is declared invalid, the
26
remainder of this Act or any provisions not affected thereby shall remain in force
27
and in effect.
28
SEC 49. Repealing Clause. Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive
29
order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule, or regulation contrary to, or
30


17
inconsistent with, the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified, or
1
amended accordingly.
2
SEC 50. Effectivity Clause. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
3
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation
4
Approved,