Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
17" CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

House Bill No,__@870

Introduced by Representative Wes Gatchalian

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Prosecutors discharge a vital and indispensable role in the Philippine Criminal Justice
System. They handle inquests and investigations, during which they come face to face with
respondents charged with offences ranging from simple felonies up to the most heinous
crimes. They prosecute accused ranging from first time offenders, up to the most hard-core
and well-connected criminals.

Itis thus without doubt that the risk and perils to prosecutors’ lives are real, and yet to
this date prosecutors are not among government personnel with Hazard Pay. There is
therefore the need to reassess existing policies and measures to protect prosecutors who are
vulnerable and are constantly at risk.

Records shows that as of date, Quezon Assistant Provincial Prosecutor Reymund
Luna, Mati City Prosecutor Rolando Acido, Quezon City Prosecutor Johanne Noel Mingao,
Caloocan Assitant City Prosecutor, Rizal Assistant Provincial Prosecutor Maria Ronatay,
Mandaluyong City Prosecutor Pablito Gahol, and Quezon City Deputy Prosecutor Rogelio
Velasco were executed in broad day light. Indeed, far too many are the anecdotes of threats
and actual killings of our honest men and women whose fault is nothing more than to
faithfully do their job.

In addition, granting Hazard Pay is not only a recognition to the risk that prosecutors
put themselves in, it is also a mechanism that ensures the independence of our prosecutors.
While truly indeed there is no price that can purchase an honest integrity, this added
remuneration shields an honest man from the possibility of temptation.

Approval of the bill is earnestly sought.

<. WES GATCHALIAN
fepresentative
First District, Valer


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
17" CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

House Bill No.__'78'70

Introduced by Representative Wes Gatchalian

AN ACT GRANTING HAZARD PAY
TO ALL PUBLIC PROSECUTORS, ASSOCIATE PROSECUTION
ATTORNEYS AND PROSECUTION ATTORNEYS DURING THEIR
INCUMBENCY AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Hazard Pay for all
Prosecutors Act."

SECTION 2. Grant of Hazard Pay. - All duly appointed public prosecutors,
including associate prosecution attomeys and prosecution attorneys of the National
Prosecution Service shall be granted hazard pay during their incumbency in the
amount equivalent to twenty-five percent (25%) of their basic monthly salary per
month.

SECTION 3. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the initial
implementation of this Act shall be charged against the available appropriations of the
National Prosecution Service under the current General Appropriations Act.
Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for its continued implementation shall be
included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SECTION 4. Tax Exemption and Non-Diminution of Benefits. - The hazard
pay for prosecutors, associate prosecution attorneys and prosecution attorneys shall
not be subject to tax and nothing in this Act shall be construed as to diminish, in any
manner, any benefit granted by existing laws, rules and regulations, local ordinances
and other issuances especially favorable to duly appointed prosecutors, associate
prosecution attorneys and prosecution attomeys of the National Prosecution Service.

SECTION 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Department of
Budget and Management, in consultation with the National Prosecution Service, shall
within sixty (60) days after the effectivity of this Act, issue the implementing rules
and regulations of this Act.


SECTION. 6. Separability Clause. ~ If any provision of this Act shall be held
unconstitutional, the remainder of the Act not otherwise affected shall remain in full
force and effect.

SECTION. 7. Repealing Clause. — All existing laws, presidential decrees,
executive orders, proclamations or administrative regulations that are inconsistent
with the provisions of this Act are hereby amended, modified, superseded, or repealed
accordingly.

Approved,