SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
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REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
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First Regular Session 
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HAY-2  All -32
SENATE
S.B. No. 1418
Rfcctivro M
Introduced by Senator Richard J. Gordon
AN ACT
TO ENCOURAGE VOLUNTEERISM BY PROTECTING VOLUNTEERS FROM LIABILITY 
IN THE PERFORMANCE OF VOLUNTEER SERVICES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
It IS the policy of the State to inculcate patriotism and nationalism, and encourage 
the involvement of the people in public, social, and civic affairs that promote the welfare of 
the nation. Volunteerism strengthens the natural Filipino trait of malasakit and enables 
individuals and communities to take an active role in nation-building.
The spirit of volunteerism reflects the ability of a people to put the interests of the 
community before their own, and the foresight and maturity to appreciate the value of 
short-term sacrifice for long-term gain. The willingness to work for a cause, and not just for 
compensation, brings out the best in the Filipino. Volunteerism is a value that the State 
should recognize, promote, and develop among its people.
However, the willingness of volunteers to offer volunteer services is deterred by the 
potential legal liability that may arise out of their endeavor. Because of the legitimate fear 
of volunteers about frivolous, arbitrary, and capricious legal action against them, the 
protection of volunteers, through the clarification and limitation of liability, is, therefore, an 
important and appropriate subject matter for legislation.
This bill, thus, seeks to protect volunteers from liability in the performance of 
volunteer services for a governmental entity, non-profit organization, or the Philippine Red 
Cross as long as the volunteer acted within the scope of responsibilities; the volunteer was 
properly licensed, certified, or authorized; and the harm was not caused by willful or 
criminal misconduct, gross negligence, reckless misconduct, or a conscious, flagrant 
indifference to the rights or safety of another.
CHARD
Senator


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SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OFTHE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
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of ti'f
•17 
MAY -2  All :32
S.B. No
SENATE ^
. 1 1 1 8
RECEP^lD 3Y:
Introduced by Senator Richard J. Gordon
AN ACT
TO ENCOURAGE VOLUNTEERISM BY PROTECTING VOLUNTEERS FROM LIABILITY 
IN THE PERFORMANCE OF VOLUNTEER SERVICES
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled:
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Volunteer Protection Act 
of 2017."
Sec. 2. Policy. - It is the policy of the State to encourage volunteerism by protecting 
volunteers from liability in the performance of volunteer services for a governmental 
entity, non-profit organization, or the Philippine Red Cross.
Sec. 3. Definitions. - For purposes of this Act,
(1) Governmental entity shall refer to any branch, office, or instrumentality of 
government.
(2) Non-profit organization” shall refer to any organization, which is organized and 
conducted for public benefit, operated primarily for charitable, religious, educational, 
professional, cultural, fraternal, literary, scientific, social, welfare, civic service, or similar 
purposes, and not for profit.
(3) 
Philippine Red Cross” shall refer to the voluntary, independent, and 
autonomous non-governmental society auxiliary to the authorities of the Republic of the 
Philippines in the humanitarian field, to assist said authorities in discharging the 
obligations set forth in the Geneva Conditions and the Statutes of the International Red 
Cross and Red Crescent Movement under Republic Act No. 10072.
(4) Volunteer shall refer to an individual performing volunteer services who does 
not receive compensation or any other thing of value in lieu of compensation, other than 
reasonable reimbursement or allowance for expenses actually incurred.
(5) Volunteer Services” shall refer to services rendered by a volunteer for a 
governmental entity, non-profit organization, or the Philippine Red Cross.
Sec. 4. Liability Protection for Volunteers. - No volunteer shall be liable for harm 
caused by an act or omission if:


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(1) the volunteer was acting within the scope of the volunteer’s responsibilities in a 
governmental entity, non-profit organization, or the Philippine Red Cross at the time of the 
act or omission;
(2) if appropriate or required, the volunteer was properly licensed, certified, or 
authorized by the appropriate authorities for the activities or practice in the volunteer 
services in which the harm occurred, where the activities were or practice was undertaken 
within the scope of the volunteer's responsibilities in the governmental entity, non-profit 
organization, or the Philippine Red Cross at the time of the act or omission; and
(3) the harm was not caused by willful or criminal misconduct, gross negligence, 
reckless misconduct, or a conscious, flagrant indifference to the rights or safety of the 
individual harmed by the volunteer.
Sec. 5. Exceptions. - The liability protection for volunteers under this Act shall not 
apply to misconduct that:
(1) constitutes a crime; or
(2) was performed under the influence of intoxicating alcohol or any dangerous 
drug at the time of the misconduct.
Sec. 6. Selection and Supervision of Volunteers. - A governmental entity, non­
profit organization, or the Philippine Red Cross shall exercise due diligence in the selection 
and supervision, including training, of volunteers to competently perform the volunteer 
services.
Sec. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Philippine National Volunteer 
Service Coordinating Agency, in consultation with relevant governmental entities, non­
profit organizations, and the Philippine Red Cross, shall promulgate rules and regulations 
to implement the provisions of this Act within ninety (90) days from its effectivity.
Sec. 8. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations, or other 
issuances or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed 
or modified accordingly.
Sec. 9. Separability Clause. - If any portion or provision of this Act is declared 
unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provision not affected thereby shall 
remain in force and effect.
Sec. 10. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following the 
completion of its publication either in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general 
circulation in the Philippines.
Approved,
I- ; . I .