Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
Introduced by HON. GUS S. TAMBUNTING 
AN ACT MANDATING PAID PANDEMIC LEAVES FOR QUALIFIED EMPLOYEES DURING 
THE CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19) PANDEMIC 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
One way we could prevent the spread of infectious diseases (especially before we achieve herd 
immunity) is for the population to strictly observe health protocols such as proper use of personal 
protective equipment, physical distancing, quarantine, and/or isolation upon exposure, among 
others. While simple, several circumstances could prevent people from strictly adhering to these. 
For a lot of Filipinos, the suggested five days of quarantine and/or isolation upon exposure and/or 
manifesting symptoms is difficult to follow as it would entail losing the income that they need for 
their daily finances. Indeed, this is one of the reasons behind employees choosing to report to 
work despite symptoms of COVID-19.  
This measure is proposed to ensure occupational safety and health in workplaces, by avoiding 
the further spread of the virus in the workplace and at the same time protecting the welfare of 
our employees and their families. This measure seeks to grant five working days of paid pandemic 
leaves to employees who will contract COVID-19, regardless of employment status. The said 
pandemic leave shall be availed immediately after the COVID-19 case of a qualified employee is 
confirmed.  
On behalf of the people of Parañaque City’s Second District, and for the common good of the 
Filipino people, the approval of the said measure is earnestly sought. 
REP. GUS S. TAMBUNTING 
2nd District, Parañaque City 
September 15, 2022
11:06 am
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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
Introduced by HON. GUS S. TAMBUNTING 
AN ACT  
MANDATING PAID PANDEMIC LEAVES FOR QUALIFIED EMPLOYEES DURING THE 
CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19) PANDEMIC 
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 “Paid COVID-19 Leave Act”. 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. – It is hereby declared the policy of the State to protect and 
promote the right to health of the people, including workers who constitute the life and blood of 
the economy. The State recognizes that maintaining a healthy workforce and protecting workers 
during the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is an integral aspect of nation-building. 
Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. – As used in this Act, the term: 
a.
Confirmed case refers to any individual, irrespective of the presence or absence of
clinical/signs and symptoms, who was laboratory-confirmed for Covid-19 in a test
conducted at a national reference laboratory, a subnational reference laboratory, or a
laboratory testing facility duly certified by the Department of Health (DOH);
b. Full pay refers to an employee's daily basic pay including fixed monetary allowances
without conditions;
c.
Qualified employee refers to any employee who is required to report to the office,
physically or virtually, for work regularly;
Sec. 4. Applicability. – The leave benefits to qualified employees under this Act shall apply to 
all officials, workers, and employees, whether in the public or private sector, who are confirmed 
cases of COVID-19. Qualified employees may avail of this leave only during the duration of the 
COVID-19 pandemic. 
Sec. 5. Grant of Paid COVID-19 Leave Benefits. – Employers are mandated to grant paid 
pandemic leaves to qualified employees, regardless of employment status, during the COVID-19 
pandemic. 
The paid pandemic leave shall be five working days of paid leave per year based on the 
employee's daily full pay. 
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Enjoyment of paid pandemic leave cannot be deferred and should be availed immediately after 
the COVID-19 case of a qualified employee is confirmed, continuously and uninterruptedly. 
 
Sec. 6. Eligibility for Paid COVID-19 Leave. – An employee who applies for the paid 
pandemic leave must submit the necessary medical records and other proof of eligibility to the 
employer for immediate action. Processing of applications for paid pandemic leaves shall not 
exceed three (3) days. 
 
The application shall be deemed approved if not acted upon by the employer within five (5) 
calendar days upon receipt thereof. 
 
Sec. 7. Non-cumulative and Non-commutative. – Unused leaves under this Act shall not be 
cumulative and may not be converted into its cash equivalent. 
 
Sec. 8. Not a ground/or Disciplinary Action. – Availment of the leave shall not be used as a 
reason for misconduct, demotion, or termination in employment, or for any form of unsatisfactory 
performance. 
 
Sec. 9. Non-discrimination. – No employee shall be discriminated against in the availment of 
the paid pandemic leave benefit based on sex, gender, political beliefs, and employment status. 
 
Sec. 10. Non-diminution of benefits. – Nothing in this Act shall be construed as to diminish 
or prejudice existing sick leaves and other benefits currently enjoyed by an employee, whether 
or not these are granted under a collective bargaining agreement or present laws. Rights already 
vested before the effectivity of this Act shall remain to be in full force and effect upon the passage 
of this Act. 
 
Sec. 11. Funding. – The Social Security System (SSS) and the Government Service Insurance 
System (GSIS), as applicable, shall reimburse the employer for the payment of its employees' 
paid COVID-19 leaves. 
 
Sec. 12. Penalty. – An employer's willful refusal to grant the paid pandemic leave shall be 
punished by a fine of not less than Twenty thousand pesos (P20,000.00) but not more than Two 
hundred thousand pesos (P200,000.00). If the act or omission penalized by this Act was 
committed by an association, partnership, corporation, or any other institution, its managing 
head, directors or partners shall be held liable for the penalties provided by this Act. 
 
Sec. 13. Periodic Review. – The Civil Service Commission (CSC) and the Department of Labor 
and Employment (DOLE), in consultation with trade unions, labor organizations, and employers' 
representatives, within one (1) month after the effectivity of this Act and as frequently as may 
be necessary, shall conduct a review of the paid COVID-19 leave in the government service and 
the private sector.  
 
Sec. 14. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – Within thirty (30) days from the effectivity 
of this Act, the DOLE, CSC, and other government agencies charged with administration and 
enforcement of this Act shall issue the necessary rules and regulations for the effective 
implementation of this Act. 


 
Sec. 15. Appropriations. – For the following year, the amount necessary to carry out the 
provisions of this Act shall be appropriated in the General Appropriations Act.  
 
Sec. 16. Separability Clause. – If any part, section, or provision of this Act is declared invalid 
or unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected by such declaration shall remain in full force 
and effect. 
 
Sec. 17. Repealing Clause. – All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules, and regulations 
inconsistent with the provision of this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.  
 
Sec. 18. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the 
Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
Approved,