Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE 0F REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
|9TH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
```  .a  +  1  n
HOUSE BILL NO.
6739
INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE ZIAUR-RAHMAN "ZIA" ALONT0 ADI0NG
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The  1987  Constitution  of the  Philippines  states  that  the  State  must  protect  the
rights   of   and   promote   the   workers'   welfare.   This   can   be   done   by   Grafting   and
implementing  laws  and  policies  that all  branches  of the  Government  will  follow.  Among
the many workers who have tirelessly served the people, the Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management  (DRRM)  Workers  deserve  attention   and   recognition.   Although  we  have
Republic Act No.  10121  or the Philippine  Disaster Risk Reduction  and  Management Act of
2010, the proposed  legislative measure is meant to protect and  uplift these Public DRRM
Workers for their round-the-clock service,  much  like those in the medical field.
The need for such measures became more apparent when recent natural disasters
swept places in our country and the challenges brought upon by the COVID-19 pandemic.
These     Public     DRRM     Workers    must    perform     their    duties    despite     unfortunate
circumstances,  health  protocols,  and  restrictions  enforced  during  the  pandemic.  They
have voiced the  need for support, and to answer their call, a  lst House TWG  Meeting  on
June 01,  2021, was held to discuss a  Draft Magna Carta for Public DRRM Workers, which
received  support from  legislators and  relevant agencies.
An  enhanced  Magna  Carta  for  Public  DRRM  Workers  was  drafted,  with  particular
reference to DRRM workers, to recognize their valuable services, especially when exposed
to  high-risk  environments.  The  measure  will  undoubtedly  empower,  strengthen,  and
boost  their  morale,  develop  their  skills  and  capabilities,  and  uphold  their  dignity.  Also,
the measure aims to  improve the socio-economic and  psychological  well-being,  working
conditions,   environment,   and   terms   of  employment.   Moreover,   the   draft   hopes   to
increase  the  efficiency  and  effectiveness  of our disaster response  through  a  motivated
workforce,   which    will    encourage    more    people   to   join,    serve,    and    protect   their
communities.
Representative
|St District,  Lanao del  Sur


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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE 0F REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
igTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
` A 1 .1 n
HOUSE BILL Nd.
6739
INTRODuCED 8¥ REPRESENTATlvE ZIAUR-RAHMAN "ZIA" ALor`ITo ADloNG
THE MAGNA CARTA FOR PUBLIC DISASTER RISK REDUCTION AND MANAGEMENT
WORKERS
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives Of the Philippines in Congress assembled:
Section 1. rit/e. - This Act shall be known as the "Magna Carla for Pub/r.c Dt.sasfer f?i.ck Reducti.on
and Management (DRRM) Workeis` .
Section 2. Sfafemenf of po/i-cy. -It shall be the policy of the State to:
a)           Uphold the people's constitutional rights to life and property by addressing the root causes of
vulnerabilities to disasters,  strengthening  the  country`s  institutional  capacity for disaster risk
reduction  and  management,  and  building  the  resilience  of  local  communities  to  disasters
including climate change impacts;
b)           Recognize and strengthen the capacities of Local Government units (LGUs) and communities
in  mitigating,  preparing  for,  responding  to,  and  recovering  from  the  impact of hazards  and
disasters; and
c)            Enhance the implementation of RA  10121,  otherwise known as the "Philippine Disaster Risk
Reduction and Management Act of 2010" by enacting measures with special reference to the
welfare of all Public DRRM Workers in the country.
Towards this end, this Act aims to:
a.    Promote  and  improve  socio-economic  and  psychological  well-being  of  Public  DRRM
Workers,  through  the  improvement  of  working  conditions,  environment  and  terms  of
employment;
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b.    Promote the development of skills and capabilities of Public DRRM Workers for them to
be  more  responsive  and  be-better  equipped  for  the  delivery  of  DRRM  services  and
programs; and
c.    Encourage those with proper qualifications and excellent abilities to join and remain in the
government service and DRRM profession.
Section 3. Defini.tr.on. - For purposes of this Act, "Public DRRM Workers" refers to all persons who
are engaged in the performance of duties covering any or all Thematic Pillars of DRRM- Prevention
and   Mitigation,   Preparedness,   Response,   and   Rehabilitation   and   Recovery-   employed   by  the
government  or  any  of  its  political  subdivisions,  instrumentalities,  or  agencies.  The  Public  DRRM
Worker may either be civilian personnel engaged in a permanent, temporary, contractual,  or casual
employment or a Public DRRM Worker engaged through a Contract of Service (Cos) and Job Order
(JO) and such other appointments, so long as their position or designation or actual work performed
involves government service work and those functions provided under Section 5 of this Act.
Section   4.   Certification.   -  The   National   Disaster   Risk   Reduction   and   Management   Council
(NDRRMC),  shall  be  the  certifying  body  to  oversee  the  following:  (i)  That  the  DRRM  functions  or
activities of an agency or LGU are authorized by law and/or proper authority; (ii) The positions are part
of the authorized stafflng of the organizational units performing the DRRM functions; and (iii) Monitor
that the incumbents thereof are actually engaged in DRRM work.
Section  5.  C/assfficafror} of DRRAV Acf7.vhf/.es. - The following  DRRM activities shall  be classified
according to the risks involved based on the nature of work or location that they are working in:
a)            Low Risk  DRRM Activities~  DRRM  activities that subject a  public DRRM Worker to  minimal
exposure or lesser degree of oooupational  risks  or perils to  life,  such  as  but  not  limited  to,
regular office or clerical work and those personnel that are not deployed for DRRM activities
in high-risk areas.
b)    High   Risk  DRRM  Activities-  DRRM   activities  that  expose  the   Public  DRRM  Worker  to
occupational  risks  or perils to  life,  such  as  but  not  limited  to,  search,  rescue,  and  retrieval
operations,  management of the dead and  missing,  rapid damage needs assessment,  post-
disaster needs assessment, emergency response activities, post-disaster activities, health and
epidemic/pandemic response  operations,  and  Low Risk  DRRM Activities  in  high-risk areas
such  as  those  Public  DRRM  workers  deployed  in  identified  activities  under  the  different
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Thematic Pillars and in critical areas that are about to be affected, is affected, and during the
early recovery from natural or human-induced hazards. Such activities shall also cover those
that are to be performed in high-risk areas.
Low Risk DRRM activities shall be considered as high risk DRRM activities when the same is
being  performed  in  an  affected  area  or  in  areas  deemed  high  risk.     Provided,  that  the
determination of such classification  shall  be  under the discretion  of the respective heads of
agencies concerned.
Section  6. Recru/.fmenf and  Qua//.ffcafi.on. ~  Recruitment  policy  and  minimum  requirements  with
respect  to  the  selection  and  appointment  and/or  assignment  of  Public  DRRM  Workers  shall  be
developed  by  the  NDRRMC  in  accordance  with  the  policies  and  standards  of  the  Civil  Service
Commission and implemented by the respective agencies concerned:  provided, that in the absence
of qualified  "eligibles" and  it becomes necessary in the public interest to fill a vacancy,  a temporary
appointment shall be issued to the person, including persons with disability (PWD), who meets all the
requirements for the position to which he/she is being appointed except the appropriate civil service
eligibility: provided, further, that such temporary appointment shall not exceed twelve (12) months nor
be less than three (3) months, renewable only once thereafter but that the appointee may be replaced
sooner if (a) a qualified civil service eligible becomes available, or (b) the appointee is found wanting
in capacity or delivering poor performance or conduct unbefitting a government employee.
Section  7.  DRRM  Vo/unfeers.  -  DRRM  Volunteers  shall  not  be  covered  by  this  Act,  but  shall
otherwise be covered by the Guidelines on Accredited Community Disaster Volunteers (ACDV) and
pursuant  to  Section  9(o)  of  RA  10121   and  its  implementing  rules  and  regulations  issued  by  the
NDRRMC. For those that are not covered by the ACDV Guidelines, their respective organizations shall
provide ample protection to their personnel-volunteers in consonance with the provisions of this Act.
Section  8.  Won-permanent  Pt/b/i.a  DRRM  Wonkers.  -  Non-permanent  Public  DRRM  Workers
engaged by the Government, such as Job Order, Contract of Service personnel, and consultants may
be  provided with  such welfare  benefits  under Sections  25,  26,  and  32  of this Act  in  relation to the
performanceofthejrdutiesaspremiumsthereofshouldtheircontractsrequireorallowthemtoprovide
services that are deemed high risk in nature. Provided, that the Non-permanent Public DRRM Worker
shall secure a certification from the head of agency or its duly designated representative that he/she
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has performed either of the DRRM functions or activities as provided for under Section 5 of this Act as
a requirement to avail such benefits.
Section 9. Performance Eva/uafi.on and Merl.f Promoffon. -All concerned agencies, in consultation
under  Section  39  of  this  Act,  shall  prepare  a  uniform  career  and  personnel  development  plan
applicable to all  Public DRRM Workers.  Such  career and  personnel  development plan  shall  include
provisions  on  merit  promotion,  performance  evaluation,  in-service training  grants, job  rotation,  and
incentive and award system.
The  performance  evaluation  plan  shall  consider foremost the  improvement of individual  employee
efficiency and organizational effectiveness: provided, that each employee shall be informed regularly
by his/her supervisor of his/her performance evaluation.
The merit promotion plan shall be in consonance with the rules of the Civil Service Commission.
See;tiion 10. Transfer or Geographical Reassignment Of Public DRRM Workers. -
a)   Transfer is the movement of an employee from one organizational unit to another in the same
department or agency or from  one department or ageney to another which  is of equivalent
rank, level, or salary without gap in service. On the other hand, Re-assignment is a movement
of an  employee  across the  organizational  structure within  the  same  department  or agency
which does not involve a reduction in rank, level, or salary. A transfer requires an issuance of
appointment while geographical re-assignment does not.
b)   A Public DRRM Worker shall not be transferred and/or reassigned, except when made in the
interest of public service,  in  which  case,  the employee concerned  shall  be  informed of the
reasons therefore in writing.  If the Public DRRM Worker believes that there is no justification
for the  transfer and/or  reassignment,  he/she  may  appeal  his/her case  to the  Civil  Service
Commission.  In case of an appeal, the transfer/reassignment shall be held in abeyance and
shall only take effect if the appeal is denied:  provided,  that no transfer and/or reassignment
shall be made for reasons merely of political affiliation; provided further, that no transfer and/or
reassignment whatsoever shall be made three (3) months before and three (3) months after
any local or national elections: provided furthermore, that the transfer/reassignment of Public
DRRM Workers'  nature of work shall  remain to be DRRM in  nature;  provided lastly,  that the
necessary expenses of the transfer and/or reassignment of the  Public DRRM  Worker and
his/her immediate family shall be paid for by the Government.
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Section 11. Ma„i.ed Pub/i.c DRRM Worfuers. - Whenever possible, the proper authorities shall take
steps to enable married couples, both of whom are Public DRRM Workers, to be employed or assigned
in the same LGU or government ageney, but not necessarily in the same office department or division.
Section 12. SecurJ.fy of Tenure. -ln case of permanent employment of Public DRRM Workers, their
services shall not be terminated except for cause provided by law and after due process:  provided.
that if a Public DRRM Worker is found by the Civil Service Commission to be unjustly dismissed from
work, he/she shall be entitled to reinstatement without loss of seniority rights and to his/her back wages
with applicable commensurate interest, subject to prevailing laws and policies computed from the time
his/her compensation was withheld from his/her up to the time of reinstatement.
Section  13.  Protecfjon  from  Di-sc".mi-nati.on. -  Public  DRRM  Workers  shall  be  protected  from
discrimination  regardless  of their  sex,  age,  gender,  sexual  orientation,  race,  ethnicity,  pregnancy,
physical  disability  or  characteristics,  civil  status,  creed,  religious  and  political  beliefs,  or any  other
status in the exercise of his/her profession.  Provided, that the disability of the Public DRRM Worker
shall  not  limit  his/her effective  performance  of the  DRRM  profession  which  he/she  is  hired  and/or
appointed to.
Section 14. Dufi.es and Ob/i.gatr.ons. -The Public DRRM Worker shall:
a)        Perform his/her duty with utmost respect for life, race, sex, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation,
religion,  nationality, party policies, and social status;
b)        Discharge his/her duty humanely with conscience and dignity;
c)        Be  duty-ready  at  all  times  and  prepared  to  be  deployed  in  any  kind  of  emergencies  and
disasters, adhering to all emergency protocols. Provided, that in the event where the family of
the  Public  DRRM Worker is directly affected  by the disaster,  he/she  shall first ensure their
safety and well-being;
d)        Be property trained and proficient in his/her assigned position and tasks;
e)       Always endeavor to maintain a level of health and fitness consistent with the demands of the
DRRM profession;
f)         Actively participate in all in-service training,  drills,  and simulation exercises that will enhance
his/her capacity in performing his functions as a Public DRRM Worker;
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g)        Be familiarwith the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management plan,  Contingency plans, and
Public Service Continuity plan of the agency or LGU to which they are employed or engaged
and contribute in their Occupational Safety and Health efforts;
h)        Conduct needs assessment as part of risk reduction and planning;
i)          Not consume  liquor or any substances,  legal  or illegal,  prior or while  in  the  performance  of
duties that could impair his/her vigilance orjudgement;
j)         Maintain an in-depth understanding of the emergency and DRRM procedures;
k)        Practice utmost safety and diligence in the performance of duty; and
I)         Always adhere that Disaster prevention and Mitigation is first and foremost the most essential
and that the same saves lives.
Section  15. Code of Conduct. -Within six (6) months from the approval of this Act, the NDRRMC,
upon  consultation  with  the  appropriate  agencies  and   instrumentalities  of  the  government,   and
appropriate DRRM worker's organizations, shall formulate and prepare a Code of Conduct for Public
DRRM  Workers,  in  consonance with  Republic Act  No.  6714  or the  "Code  of Conduct  and  Ethical
Standards for Public Officials and Employees", which shall be disseminated as widely as possible.
Section  16.  Admi.n/.sfrafr.ye  Chanyes. -Administrative  charges  against  a  DRRM  Worker shall  be
heard by a committee created by the agency/office where the Public DRRM Worker belongs pursuant
to the existing "Revised Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service (RRACCS)". The committee
shall submit its findings and recommendations to the head of agency/office within thirty (30) days from
the termination of the hearings.
The Committee shall be appointed by the Head of Agency or LGU and shall be composed of seven
(7) members, including the Chairperson.  It shall be composed of the following:
a)   Second  highest  ranking  official,  for  NGAs,  or Vice-Mayor for  LGUs,  or Vice-Governor for
Provincial Level, as its Chairperson;
b)   The Head of Human Resource as its Vice-Chairperson;
c)    One (1) Division Chief with a salary grade of not lower than 22;
d)   Two (2) Section Chiefs or employees with salary grade of not lower than 18;
e)   One (1 ) representative from a recognized Public DRRM Workers association or its equivalent,
provided, that the said representative also belongs to the agency, in the absence thereof, an
employee with a salary grade of not lower than 18; and
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f)     One (1) representative from the legal section or division, or its equivalent.
The  Head  of Office may reorganize the composition  of the  Committee in such  cases where one or
more members of the Committee is/are the interested party or in cases necessary to discharge the
functions of the Committee, such as when the  prescribed  composition  of the Committee cannot be
met due to insufficiency, unavailability, or absence of the position, rank, or ofrlce in the agency. In such
case, the  Head of Office shall exercise diligence in choosing the  members in accordance with their
ranks or functions consistent with the prescribed composition.
Section  17.   Lega/ Support.  -Public  DRRM  Workers  shall  be  exempted  from  any  liability  as  to
damage to any property or injury to a person caused in the direct performance of their duty relative to
disaster or emergency response and other related activities where the same is necessary in order to
save lives or properties,  in accordance with Art.  1 1,  par.  5 of the  Revised  Penal Code and/or other
applicable laws and issuances. In any case, however, the Public DRRM Worker shall be afforded with
appropriate assistance by their respective agency or LGU concerned in view that any conflict that may
arise shall be resolved amicably or extra-judicially through commensurate and peaceful means.
ln cases where injury or death is involved and a case has been filed against the Public DRRM Worker,
he/she shall be afforded with all possible legal assistance by the Agency or LGU concerned. Provided,
that it is established by the Public DRRM Worker, through a Sworn Affidavit, that the injury or death
caused is in direct connection of his/her duty, without any criminal or malicious intent.
Section  18. Safeguards ;'n Di.scf-p/inary Procedures. -ln every disciplinary proceeding, the Public
DRRM Worker shall have:
a)        the right to be informed, in writing, of the charges;
b)        the right to full access to the evidence in the case;
c)        the right to defend himself/herself and to be defended by a representative of his/her choice
and/or by his/her organization, with adequate time given to the Public DRRM Worker for the
preparation of his/her defense;
d)        the right to confront witnesses presented against him/her and summon witnesses in histher
behalf;
e)        the right to appeal to designated authorities;
f)         the right to reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred in his/her defense in case of
exoneration or dismissal of the charges; and
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g)        such other rights as will ensure fairness and impartiality during proceedings.
Section 19. Worma/ Hours Of Work. -The normal hours of work of any Public DRRM Worker shall
not exceed eight (8) hours a day or forty (40) hours a week.
Hours worked shall include:  a) all the time during which a Public DRRM Worker is required to be on
active duty or to be at a prescribed workplace; and b) all the time during which a Public DRRM Worker
is  placed  in  On-Call  status;  provided,  that,  a  Public  DRRM  Worker particularly  placed  in  "On  Call"
status shall  be entitled to an "On Call"  pay equivalent to fifty percent (50%) Of his/her regular wage.
Provided,  further,  that no  Public DRRM Worker shall  be  placed  "On-Call"  status  beyond  seven  (7)
days per month.
"On Call" status refers to a status where a Public DRRM Worker not on active duty is called upon to
respond to urgent or immediate need for response-related activities relative to emergencies such that
he/she cannot devote the time for his/her own use.
Section  20. Overfi.me  Work. - Where the  exigencies  of the  service so  require,  any  Public  DRRM
Worker may be required to render service beyond the normal eight (8) hours a day.  In such a case,
the workers shall be paid an additional compensation in accordance with existing laws and prevailing
practices.  Provided,  that  such  compensation  shall  be  subject  to  the  same  rates,  conditions,  and
limitations  applicable  to  qualified  government  personnel  provided  under relevant  issuances  of  Civil
Service Commission (CSC) -Department Of Budget and Management (DBM).
Sectiion 21 . Work During Rest Day. -
a)           Where a public DRRM Worker is made to work on his/her scheduled rest day, he/she shall be
paid an additional compensation in accordance with existing laws.
b)           Where a public DRRM Worker is made to work on any special holiday he/she shall be paid an
additional compensation in accordance with existing  laws. Where such holiday work falls on
the worker's scheduled rest day, he/she shall be entitled to an additional compensation as may
be provided by existing laws.
Secti\on 22. Night.Shift Differential. -
a)           Every public DRRM Worker shall be paid a night-shift differential of twenty percent (20%) of
his/her regular wage for each hour of work performed during the night-shifts,
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b)           Every  Public  DRRM  Worker  required  to  work  on  the  period  covered  after  his/her  regular
schedule  shall  be  entitled  to  his/her  regular wage  plus  the  regular  overtime  rate  and  an
additional  amount  of  twenty  percent  (20%)  of  such  overtime  rate  for  each  hour  of  work
performed between six (6) o'clock in the evening to six (6) o'clock in the moming.
Section 23. Sa/an.es. - ln the determination of the salary scale of Public DRRM Workers, the existing
applicable law on the salary scheme of government employees shall govern.
a)           Salary scale for Local  public DRRM Worker.  -The salary scales of public DRRM Workers
whose  salaries  are  appropriated  by  a  municipality,  city,  or provincial  government  shall  be
based on the salary schedule being implemented by the LGU concerned;
b)           Salaries to be paid in Legal Tender -Salaries of public DRRM Workers shall be paid in legal
tender of the Philippines or the equivalent in checks or treasury warrants: provided, however,
that such checks or treasury warrants shall be convertible to cash in any national,  provincial,
city or municipal treasurers' office or any banking  institution operating  under the laws of the
Republic of the Philippines.
c)           Deductions prohibited -No person shall make any deduction whatsoever from the salaries of
Public  DRRM  Workers  except  under specific  provision  of law authorizing  such  deductions:
provided,   however,   that   upon  written   authority  executed   by  the   Public  DRRM   Worker
concerned, a) lawful dues or fees owing to any organization/ association where such  Public
DRRM Worker is an officer or member; and b) premiums property due all insurance policies,
retirement and medicare shall be considered deductible.
Section 24. Add/.ffona/ Compensaffon. -Notwithstanding Section  12 of Republic Act No. 6758 also
known  as the "Compensation  and  Position  Classification Act of  1989",  Public DRRM Workers shall
receive  the  following   allowances:   hazard   allowance,   subsistence   allowance,   reimbursement  of
allowable communication expense, longevity pay, laundry allowance, and quarters allowance.
Section  25. HazantJ A//owance. - As  provided  under Section  5 of this Act,  Public DRRM Workers,
who are exposed to high risks or perils to life in the performance of their duties and responsibilities,
shall be compensated with  hazard allowance equivalent to not exceeding twenty-five (25%) of their
daily  basic  salary,  and  at  least  five  percent  (5%)  for  Public  DRRM  Workers  exposed  in  low-risk
activities when  deployed to or are working  in affected areas.  Provided,  that  Public DRRM Workers
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under low risk DRRM activities shall  be eligible to avail an  increase hazard allowance equivalent to
that of high  risk  DRRM Workers in the event that they are called  to  perform  or are deployed for a
limited period to high-risk DRRM activities, subject to appropriate computation of days rendered. The
determination of the compensation of Hazard AIlowance shall be based on the actual working days of
exposure of the Public DRRM Worker to any given risks or perils to life.
Sectiion  26. Transportation,   Communication,   and   Subsistence  AIlowance. -Publ.ic  DF`F\M
Workers who are required to render service in the field during emergencies and disasters in order to
make their services available at any and all times,  shall be entitled to full subsistence allowance of
three (3) meals which may be computed in accordance with prevailing circumstances. Provided, that,
no  subsistence  allowance  shall  be  given  in  the  event  where  the  concerned  agency  has  already
prescribed meals for the Public DRRM Worker.
Public DRRM workers required to report outside of their regular workstations other than responding to
disasters or emergencies shall be entitled to such transportation and travel expenses pursuant E.O
No.   77.   S,   2019   or  other  existing   budgeting,   accounting   and   auditing   guidelines   as  well   as
reimbursement of allowable communication expenses.
Section 27. Longevfty Pay. - A monthly longevity pay equivalent to five percent (5%) of the monthly
basic pay shall be paid to a Public DRRM Worker for every five (5) years of continuous, efficient, and
meritorious services rendered as certified by the chief of office concerned, commencing with the Public
DRRM Worker's service upon the effectivity of this Act.
Those entitled to  Longevity  Pay can  no  longer avail  of the  Step  Increment benefit due to  length  of
service.
Section  28. Launc/ry A//owance. - All  Public DRRM Workers who are  required  to wear uniforms
regulariy shall be entitled to laundry allowance equivalent to One Hundred Fifty Pesos (Php  150) per
month:  provided,  that  this  rate  shall  be  reviewed  periodically  and  increased  accordingly  by  the
NDRRMC  in consultation with the appropriate government agencies concerned taking  into account
existing laws and prevailing practices.
Section 29. Hous/.ng. -All Public DRRM Workers who are on tour of duty and those who, because of
unavoidable circumstances are forced to stay in their offices, shall be entitled to free living quarters
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within  the  office,  or if such  quarters  are  not available,  shall  receive quarters allowance  as  may be
determined by their respective agencies.
A qualified Public DRRM Worker who has no residence within a fifty (50) kilometer radius from such
government facility or deployment area shall be granted quarters allowance at the local room rental
rate in the area until free living quarters are available.
Section 30. Medica/, Men fa/, and Psycfrosoct.a/ E*amr.nafi.on. -Compulsory medical, mental, and
psychosocial examination shall be provided free of charge to all Public DRRM Workers before entering
the service in the Government or its subdivisions and shall be repeated once a year during the tenure
of employment of all Public DRRM Workers and every after deployment of Public DRRM Workers for
more than three (3) days to seven (7) days in high-risk areas, as may be determined by the agency
where  the  Public  DRRM  Worker  belongs:  provided,  that  where  medical  examination  shows  that
medical treatment, mental, or psychosocial intervention, and/or hospitalization is necessary for those
already  in  government  service,  the  treatment  and/or  hospitalization  including  medicines  shall  be
provided free either in a government or a private hospital by the government entity paying the salary
of the Public DRRM Worker: provided, further, that the cost of such medical examination and treatment
shall be determined by the respective ageney who the Public DRRM Worker is engaged with and such
amount be subject to process of the agency.
In  cases of extreme  exposure to  a traumatic experience while  rendering  DRRM Work,  the  ageney
shall, aside from those that are provided for above, provide necessary support for the rehabilitation of
the Public DRRM Worker. A post medical examination shall be provided for the Public DRRM Worker
prior to leaving the service.
Sectiion 31. Personal Protective Equipment, Vaccination, and other Prophylaxis. -Publ.ic DF`F"
Workers,  as frontliners in disaster response,  shall  be  provided with appropriate  personal  protective
equipment, free vaccinations and other prophylactic medicines against common and present diseases
in  the  locality where  the  Public  DRRM  Worker is  assigned.  The  immediate family of Public  DRRM
Workers deployed in  high risks area who are exposed to any highly contagious disease/illness shall
also be entitled to vaccinations or any available immediate medical intervention.
Sectiion 32. Compensation for WorfuRelated lrtyuries and Sicknesses. - Publ.ic DRF" Workers
shall be protected against the consequences of employment injuries or sickness in accordance with
existing laws.  Injuries or sickness incurred in line of duty shall be presumed work-connected.
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Section 33. Leave Benefr.fs for Pub//.c DRRM Wonkers. -Public DRRM Workers are entitled to such
vacation, sick leaves as provided by existing laws and prevailing practices: provided, that in addition
to the leave privilege now enjoyed by Public DRRM Workers-men and women Public DRRM Workers
are  entitled  to  such  paternity  and  matemity  leaves,  respectively,  provided  by  existing  laws  and
prevailing practices: provided, further, that upon separation of the Public DRRM Workers from service,
they shall be entitled to all accumulated leave credits with pay. Public DRRM Workers are also entitled
to  rehabilitation  leave  privilege  for  physical,  mental,  or emotional  injuries/damage  sustained  in  the
performance  of  official  duties  subject  to  the  provisions  under  relevant  issuances  of  Civil  Service
Commission (CSC) -Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
Section  34. Capacfty Bui./di.ng,  Soho/arshi.p and Grants. -  Public DRRM Workers shall  undergo
necessary training and other capacity building activities on a regular basis. They shall also be given
opportunity to avail of scholarship benefits and grants for pursuing graduate and post-graduate studies
in accordance with the existing rules to be implemented by the concerned agencies or LGUs. Grantees
of the program may study within the Philippines or abroad provided that the concerned agency or LGU
shall provide strict measures to ensure continuity and render service obligation. The concerned ageney
shall give utmost preference to post-graduate DRRM-related studies in granting such benefits.
Section 35. Mandatory /nsurance Coverage- Public DRRM Workers shall be entitled to insurance
coverage as provided by the Social Security System (SSS) as mandated under Republic Act No. 8282
otherwise known as the "Social Security Law", by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS)
as provided by Republic Act No. 8291  also known as "The Government Service Insurance System Act
of  1997'',  by the  Universal  Health  Care Act as  mandated  by  RA  No.11223,  and  by the  Philippine
Health Insurance (Philhealth) as mandated by Republic Act No. 7875 orthe "National Health Insurance
Act  of  1995",  whichever is  applicable.  Further,  Public  DRRM Workers  holding  permanent  positions
and  are  assigned  on field  work shall  also  be entitled  to  personal  accident  insurance  amounting  to
P100,000.00;  at  a  minimum,   it  must  include  coverage  for  accidental  death  or  dismemberment,
permanent disability and hospitalization cost reimbursement.
Section  36. Hi.ghest Basi.c Sa/any upon Refl.remen£. - Three  (3)  months  prior to the  compulsory
retirement,  the  Public  DRRM Worker shall  automatically be  granted  one  (1)  salary range  or grade
higher than  his/her basic salary and  his/her retirement benefit thereafter computed on the  basis of
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his/her highest salary:  provided, that he/she has reached the age and fulfilled service requirements
under existing laws.
Section 37. Ri.ghf fo Serf-Organ/.zatfon. -Public DRRM Workers shall have the right to freely form,
join or assist organizations or associations, to the extent allowable by law and/or existing policies, for
purposes not contrary to law in order to defend and protect their mutual interests and to obtain redress
of their grievances through peaceful concerted activities.
Section 38. Freedom from /Oferference or Coerci.on. - lt shall be unlawful for any person to
commit any of the following acts of interference or coercion:
a) to require as a condition of employment that a Public DRRM Worker shall not join a DRRM
Workers' organization, association, or union or shall relinquish membership therein:
b)  to  discriminate  in  regard  to  hiring  or  tenure  of  employment  or  any  item  or condition  of
employment  in  order  to  encourage  or  discourage  membership  in  any  DRRM  Workers'
organization, association, or union;
c)  to  prevent  a  Public  DRRM  Worker from  carrying  out  duties  laid  upon  him/her  by  his/her
position  in  the  organization,  association,  or  union,  or  to  penalize  him/her  for  the  action
undertaken in such capacity:
d) to harass or interfere with the discharge of the functions of the Public DRRM Worker when
these  are  calculated  to  intimidate  or  to  prevent  the  performance  of  his/her  duties  and
responsibilities; and
e) to otherwise interfere in the establishment, functioning, or administration of DRRM Workers
organizations or unions through acts designed to place such organization or union under the
control of government authority.
Sectiion  39. Consultation  with  Public  DRRM  Workers'  Organizations` -  ln  the  formulahiion  Of
national  policies  governing  the  social  security  of  Public  DRRM  Workers,  professional  and  Public
DRRM Workers' organizations as well as other appropriate government agencies concerned shall be
consulted by the NDRRMC. For this purpose, Management-DRRM Workers' Consultative Councils for
national, regional and other appropriate levels shall be established and operationalized.
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Sectiion  40.   Human  Resouroe  Developmenu  Management  Study. -The  Human  F`esource
Department/Division  of  respective  concerned  agencies  shall  conduct  a  periodic  human  resource
development/management study into, among others, the following areas:
a)           adequacy of facilities and supplies to render quality DRRM services to client population;
b)           opportunity for public DRRM Workers to grow and develop their potentials and experience a
sense of worth and dignity in their work;
c)           mechanisms for democratic consultation in government DRRM institutions;
d)           appropriate organizational and staffing patterns;
e)           ways and means of enabling the rank-and-file workers to avail of educational opportunities for
personal growth and development;
upgrading  of working  conditions,  reclassificatjon  of positions  and  salaries  of  Public  DRRM
Workers to correct disparity vis-a-vis other professions  such  that positions  requiring  longer
study be upgraded and given corresponding pay scale; and
g)           assessment of the national policy on exportation of skilled human resource to focus on how
these resources could instead be utilized productively for the country's needs.
There is hereby created a Congressional Oversight Committee to review and assess human resource
development, particularly on continuing education and training and the other areas described above.
The Committee shall be composed of five (5) members of the House of Representatives and five (5)
members  of the  Senate.  It  shall  be  co-chaired  by  the  chairpersons  of the  Committee  on  Disaster
Resilience of both houses.  It shall render a report and recommendation to Congress which shall be
the basis for policy legislation in the field of Disaster Resilience or DRRM. Such a congressional review
shall be undertaken once every five (5) years.
Section   41. /mp/emenfr.ng  Rt//es  and  Regu/affons. -The   NDRRMC   after  consultation   with
appropriate agencies of the Government as well as professional and  DRRM Workers' organizations
or associations,  shall formulate  and  prepare the  necessary rules  and  regulations to  implement the
provisions of this Act.  Further, the DBM, in coordination with the NDRRMC, shall issue the guidelines
on the grant of compensation-related benefits to Public DRRM Workers. Rules and regulations issued
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pursuant to this Section shall take effect thirty (30) days after publication  in a newspaper of general
circulation.
Sectiion +2. Prohibition Against Double Recovery of Benefits. -Whenever other laINs prow-ide for
the same benefits covered by this Act, the Public DRRM Worker shall have the option to choose which
benefits will  be  paid to  him/her,  However,  in  the  event that the  benefits chosen  are  less than that
provided under this Act, the worker shall be paid only the difference.
Section  43. Proh/.bfffon  Agai.nsf E//.mi.nat/.on  andyor D/-in/.nut/.on. -  Nothing  in  this  law  shall  be
construed to eliminate or in any way diminish benefits being enjoyed by Public DRRM Workers at the
time of the effectivity of this Act.
Section  44. Appropr7.azfons.  -  the  amount  needed  for  the  implementation  of  this  Act  shall  be
determined by the concerned agencies and be included in the General Appropriations Act of the year
following  its  enactment  under the  budgetary  appropriations  of concerned  agencies  or chargeable
against local funds  of Local  Government  Units subject to  Personal  Service  Limitations  pursuant to
Sec. 325 of RA 7160 where applicable.
However,  such  special  benefits,  including  injury and  burial  benefits  as well  as  hazard  pay  may be
sourced from the Local DRRM Fund of the agencies or Local Government Units.
Section  45. Pena/ Provi.si.on. -Any person who shall willfully interfere with,  restrain or coerce any
Public DRRM Worker in the exercise of his/her rights or shall in any manner commit any act in violation
of any of the provisions of this Act, upon conviction,  shall be punished by a fine of not less than ten
thousand pesos (P10,000.00) or imprisonment of not more than one (1) year or both at the discretion
of the court.
If the  offender  is  a  public  official,  the  court,  in  addition  to  the  penalties  provided  in  the  preceding
paragraph, may impose the additional penalty of disqualification from office.
Section 46. Separabi-/fry C/arse. - If any provision of this Act is declared invalid, the  remainder of
this Act or any provision not affected thereby shall remain in force and effect.
Section 47. Repea/i.ng C/arse. - AII laws and  issuances and their implementing  rules,  inconsistent
with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.
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Section 48. Effecfiv/.fy. -This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in at least
two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,
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