Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 2031 
Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE MERCEDES K. ALVAREZ, MNSA 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This measure aims to formally recognize and protect the rights, welfare, and 
dignity of waste workers across the Philippines. Waste workers play a crucial role in 
maintaining public health, environmental sustainability, and community well-being, 
yet they often remain marginalized, working under unsafe conditions with inadequate 
protection and compensation. 
It promotes fairness and social justice for waste workers, improving their 
quality of life while fostering a more sustainable and humane waste management 
system. It ensures they are protected, heard, and valued as essential contributors to 
public health and environmental protection. 
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
ATTY. MERCEDES K. ALVAREZ, MNSA 
July 16, 2025
4:23 pm


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 2031 
Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE MERCEDES K. ALVAREZ, MNSA 
AN ACT 
PROVIDING FOR THE MAGNA CARTA OF WASTE WORKERS 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
TITLE I 
1 
GENERAL PROVISIONS 
2 
3 
CHAPTER I 
4 
BASIC PRINCIPLE 
5 
6 
Section 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the "Magna Carta of Waste 
7 
Workers."  
8 
9 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. –  In recognition of the vital role played by Waste 
10 
Workers in preserving public health, environmental sustainability, and the overall 
11 
well-being of our communities, the State shall endeavor to develop plans, policies, 
12 
programs, measures, and mechanisms rooted in principles of fairness and social 
13 
justice, safeguarding the rights and dignity of Waste Workers. 
14 
The State shall ensure the protection of their rights and welfare through 
15 
inclusive, rights-based, and gender-responsive policies and programs. It shall 
16 
guarantee fair compensation, safe and humane working conditions, and access to 
17 


comprehensive health and social protection benefits. Waste Workers shall be free from 
1 
discrimination, exploitation, and harassment, and shall be recognized as essential 
2 
partners in sustainable development. 
3 
The State shall institutionalize mechanisms for training, occupational safety, 
4 
and access to protective equipment and medical support. It shall also promote public 
5 
awareness on proper waste management and the indispensable contributions of Waste 
6 
Workers, pursuant to Republic Act No. 6969, otherwise known as the Toxic 
7 
Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of  1990 and Republic Act 
8 
No. 9003, otherwise known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. 
9 
The State shall ensure that collaborative efforts involving the government, civil 
10 
society, and the private sector aim to raise public awareness about the vital 
11 
contributions of Waste Workers and foster a culture of respect for their profession.  
12 
The State shall establish mechanisms for the effective implementation and 
13 
monitoring of this Act. There shall be regular assessments of working conditions, 
14 
benefits, and overall well-being of Waste Workers conducted, with policy adjustments 
15 
made as necessary to address emerging challenges.  
16 
 
17 
Sec. 3. Coverage. –   This law shall apply to all persons employed, contracted, 
18 
or engaged, and all those economically dependent on the marginalized sectors, in 
19 
activities on the management, collection, transportation, processing, and disposal of 
20 
solid wastes, hazardous wastes, and toxic chemicals and substances including but not 
21 
limited to residual and healthcare wastes.  
22 
 
23 
CHAPTER II 
24 
DEFINITION OF WASTE WORKERS 
25 
 
26 
Sec. 4. Waste Workers. –  Waste workers shall refer to all persons whose 
27 
livelihood is dependent on waste management, collection, transportation, processing, 
28 
and disposal, and include, but are not limited to, garbage collectors, waste pickers, 
29 
segregators, and recyclers.  
30 
Waste workers, by the nature of their livelihood, are considered part of the 
31 
disadvantaged and vulnerable sectors of society. They are often among those living in 
32 
poverty, with limited or no access to essential resources and basic social and economic 
33 


services, including health care, education, housing security, and access to the justice 
1 
system. 
2 
 
3 
TITLE II 
4 
RIGHTS AND PROTECTION OF WASTE WORKERS 
5 
 
6 
CHAPTER I 
7 
COMMON PROVISIONS 
8 
 
9 
Sec. 5. Right to Decent Work. – The State shall ensure the promotion and 
10 
protection of decent work standards for Waste Workers, grounded in the full 
11 
recognition of their rights and dignity as laborers. This includes the guarantee of fair 
12 
terms of employment, protection from occupational and health hazards, and access to 
13 
essential support services that enable the fulfillment of their rights. 
14 
 
15 
Sec. 6. Right to Participation and Information. –  All Waste Workers shall have 
16 
the right to participate meaningfully in decisions that affect their work, health, and 
17 
overall well-being. This right includes access to timely and relevant information on 
18 
policies, programs, projects, training, and other initiatives concerning Waste Workers. 
19 
Participation shall extend to the formulation, implementation, monitoring, and 
20 
evaluation of policies, regulations, and practices related to waste management and 
21 
labor rights. Waste Workers shall be represented in relevant consultative and decision-
22 
making bodies to ensure that their voices are heard and their interests safeguarded. 
23 
 Waste Workers shall be accorded representation in both the City or Municipal 
24 
Solid Waste Management Board (“SWM Board”) and the Barangay Solid Waste 
25 
Management Board, to wit: 
26 
a) At least one (1) seat in the SWM Board shall be allocated for a 
27 
representative(s) of Waste Workers directly involved in solid waste 
28 
management activities within the jurisdiction; 
29 
b) The Waste Worker representative(s) shall be selected through a 
30 
transparent and inclusive process; 
31 
c) The Waste Worker representative(s) shall report back to their respective 
32 
constituencies on SWM Board activities, decisions, and outcomes; and 
33 


d) The SWM Board shall periodically review the effectiveness of worker 
1 
representation and make adjustments necessary to ensure meaningful 
2 
participation and accountability. 
3 
 
4 
Sec. 7. Social Protection. – The State shall ensure that all Waste Workers are 
5 
afforded with Social Security System or Government Service Insurance System, as the 
6 
case may be, Home Development Mutual Fund, and Philippine Health Insurance 
7 
Corporation. 
8 
 
9 
Sec 8. Hazard Pay. – Waste Workers, in both private and public sectors, who 
10 
are regularly exposed to health and occupational hazards, or to working conditions 
11 
that involve a high risk of injury, illness, or deterioration of health, shall be entitled to 
12 
hazard pay. The amount and conditions for the grant of such compensation shall be 
13 
determined in accordance with existing labor laws, occupational safety and health 
14 
standards, and the implementing rules and regulations of this Act. 
15 
 
16 
Sec 9. Annual Medical, Dental, Mental, and Psychosocial Examination. – All 
17 
Waste Workers shall be provided with free annual medical services, which shall 
18 
include, but not be limited to, physical, dental, mental health, and psychosocial 
19 
examinations. These health services shall aim to monitor, prevent, and address 
20 
occupational illnesses and work-related health conditions. This shall be administered 
21 
by accredited health institutions in coordination with the Department of Health 
22 
(“DOH”), local government units, and other relevant agencies. 
23 
 
24 
Sec. 10. Occupational Health and Safety Standards Program. –  There shall be 
25 
an established occupational health and safety standards program for all Waste 
26 
Workers to provide basic equipment such as, but not limited to, the appropriate 
27 
Personal Protective Equipment based on the nature of their work. 
28 
This program shall be implemented in coordination with the DOH, Department 
29 
of Labor and Employment (“DOLE”), local government units, and other concerned 
30 
agencies. The program shall be regularly reviewed and updated to respond to emerging 
31 
occupational risks and public health concerns affecting Waste Workers. 
32 
 
33 
 
34 


CHAPTER II 
1 
WASTE WORKERS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR 
2 
 
3 
 
Sec. 11. Right to a Minimum Wage. –  Waste Workers shall be entitled to receive 
4 
no less than the minimum wage prescribed for non-agricultural workers in their 
5 
respective regions, as determined by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity 
6 
Board. The DOLE shall issue the appropriate rules and regulations for the effective 
7 
implementation of this provision, including wage payment schedules, methods, and 
8 
compliance mechanisms. 
9 
 
10 
 
Sec. 12. Work Days and Work Hours. –  Waste Workers shall be entitled to 
11 
regular work hours and rest periods in accordance with the provisions of the Labor 
12 
Code of the Philippines (“Labor Code”) and other applicable laws, rules, and 
13 
regulations. This includes entitlement to night shift differential pay as may be 
14 
prescribed by the DOLE. 
15 
 
16 
 
Sec. 13. Overtime Pay. –  Waste Workers who render services beyond the 
17 
prescribed working hours shall be entitled to overtime pay in accordance with the 
18 
rates, conditions, and procedures provided under the Labor Code, its implementing 
19 
rules, and other relevant regulations. 
20 
 
21 
 
Sec. 14. Holiday Pay and Rest Day. –  Waste Workers who are required or 
22 
permitted to work on a regular holiday, special holiday, or rest day shall be entitled to 
23 
additional compensation, as mandated by the Labor Code and relevant issuances of 
24 
the DOLE. The determination of applicable rates, holiday classifications, and 
25 
entitlement shall be governed by existing laws and regulations of the DOLE: Provided, 
26 
where the collective bargaining agreement or other applicable employment contract 
27 
stipulates the payment of a higher premium pay than that prescribed under this 
28 
section, the employer shall pay such a higher rate. 
29 
 
30 
 
Sec. 15. Enforcement of Labor Laws. –  All rights and benefits pertaining to 
31 
conditions of employment, occupational safety and health, social welfare, labor 
32 
relations, and post-employment shall be enforced in accordance with the existing and 
33 
applicable laws and rules. The DOLE, in coordination with concerned agencies and 
34 


local government units, shall issue the necessary rules and regulations for the effective 
1 
enforcement of this Act. 
2 
 
3 
 
Sec. 16. Health Services. –  Waste Workers shall be entitled to access 
4 
comprehensive health services, including regular medical check-ups, hospitalization, 
5 
and preventive health care, through arrangements with Health Maintenance 
6 
Organizations or other accredited medical providers, subject to guidelines to be issued 
7 
in the implementing rules and regulations. 
8 
 
9 
 
Sec. 17. Security of Tenure. – No Waste Worker shall be dismissed from 
10 
employment except for a just or authorized cause, and only after the observance of due 
11 
process, in accordance with the Labor Code and existing rules and regulations. 
12 
 
13 
Sec. 18. Independent Waste Worker Organization. –  Self-Organization and 
14 
Union Membership. - All Waste Workers shall have the right to self-organization, 
15 
including the right to form, join, or assist legitimate labor organizations, cooperatives, 
16 
or associations of their own choosing, for the purpose of promoting, protecting, and 
17 
advancing their collective interests, and extending mutual support and assistance. 
18 
This right shall be exercised free from interference, restraint, or coercion by 
19 
employers, government authorities, or any other entity. 
20 
Waste Workers shall be eligible for union membership from the first day of their 
21 
employment and may engage in collective bargaining and other lawful concerted 
22 
activities, in accordance with the Labor Code and applicable laws, rules, and 
23 
regulations. 
24 
 
25 
 
Sec. 19. Non-Abridgement of the Right to Self-Organization. – No person shall 
26 
be allowed to restrain, coerce, or unduly interfere with the Waste Workers in the 
27 
exercise of their right to self-organization in accordance with law. 
28 
 
It shall be unlawful for any person to commit the following acts of restraint, 
29 
coercion, or undue interference to: 
30 
a) Prevent a Waste Worker form carrying out his or her duties in his or her 
31 
organization or association; 
32 


b) Discriminate in hiring a Waste Worker or setting unfavorable conditions 
1 
upon him or her to discourage him or her from membership in any 
2 
organization or association; 
3 
c) Require as a condition of employment that a Waste Worker must not join 
4 
any organization or association; and 
5 
d) Interfere in the functioning and administration of the organization or 
6 
association. 
7 
 
8 
Sec. 20. Emergency Allowance Provision. – Waste Workers who are required 
9 
to render service in the field during emergencies and disasters shall be entitled to 
10 
emergency allowance computed based on prevailing rates and conditions as may be 
11 
determined by the DOLE.  
12 
 
13 
CHAPTER III 
14 
WASTE WORKERS IN THE GOVERNMENT 
15 
 
16 
Sec. 21. Coverage. –  This Chapter shall apply to all persons rendering services 
17 
in the government for compensation, regardless of status of employment and/or 
18 
engaged or contracted for services. 
19 
 
20 
Sec. 22. Right to Self-Organization. – Waste Workers of government 
21 
corporation  established under the Corporation Code , as amended by Republic Act 
22 
No. 11232, otherwise known as the Revised Corporation Code, shall have the right to 
23 
organize and to bargain collectively with their respective employers. All other 
24 
employees in the civil service shall have the right to form associations for purposes not 
25 
contrary to law. 
26 
 
27 
Sec. 23. Health Care System. –  Every Waste Worker shall be guaranteed with 
28 
a health care delivery system and access to public or private primary care provider of 
29 
choice. Local government units shall establish a program and promulgate guidelines 
30 
for the availment of health care benefits. 
31 
 
32 
Sec. 24. Financial Assistance. –  Local government units shall endeavor to 
33 
provide assistance to Waste Workers in crisis situation including but not limited to, 
34 


medical assistance, burial, transportation, education, food, or financial assistance for 
1 
other support services or needs of a Waste Worker or family. 
2 
 
3 
Sec. 25. Cash Incentive. – In recognition of the contribution of Waste Workers 
4 
to public health and safety, the environment, and local economy, local government 
5 
units shall grant an annual cash incentive for all Waste Workers without distinction. 
6 
 
7 
Sec. 26. Socialized Housing Program. –  Local government units shall, in the  
8 
implementation and development socialized housing program, ensure that Waste 
9 
Workers who are able to qualify under the guidelines shall be included as target 
10 
beneficiaries. 
11 
 
12 
CHAPTER IV 
13 
WASTE WORKERS IN THE INFORMAL SECTOR 
14 
 
15 
Sec. 27. Waste Workers in the Informal Sector. –  Waste Workers in the 
16 
informal sector are hereby guaranteed all civil, political, social and economic rights 
17 
recognized, promoted and protected under existing laws, including, but not limited to, 
18 
the 1987 Philippine Constitution, Republic Act No. 8425, otherwise known as the 
19 
Social Reform and Poverty Alleviation Act, and Republic Act No. 7875, otherwise 
20 
known as the National Health Insurance Act. 
21 
 
22 
Sec. 28. Formalization of Waste Workers. –  Waste Workers in the informal 
23 
sector shall have the right to form or join organizations or associations for purposes 
24 
not contrary to law, and to promote, defend, and protect their mutual interests or 
25 
extend mutual aid and cooperation. 
26 
Organizations or associations established by informal Waste Workers shall be 
27 
recognized and registered with the DOLE or other appropriate government agencies, 
28 
in accordance with existing laws, rules, and regulations. Such recognition shall serve 
29 
as a basis for accessing government support, representation, and participation in 
30 
decision-making processes affecting their work and welfare. 
31 
 
32 
Sec. 29. Social Protection and Inclusion. - The DOLE, in consultation with the 
33 
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (“DENR”), DOH, Commission on 
34 


Human Rights, and the local government units, shall develop programs for the 
1 
informal sector of Waste Workers and ensure their access to medical assistance, burial, 
2 
transportation, education, food, or financial assistance for other support services or 
3 
needs. 
4 
 
5 
TITLE III 
6 
PARTICIPATION OF GOVERNMENT AGENCIES 
7 
 
8 
Sec. 30. Role of the Local Government Units. –  The local government units 
9 
shall be charged with the implementation of this Act in their respective localities, in 
10 
coordination with the DOLE. It shall be the responsibility of the local government unit 
11 
to: 
12 
a) Ensure the proper enforcement of labor standards, occupational safety, 
13 
and health regulations, as well as other pertinent laws and policies  
14 
related to Waste Workers within their jurisdiction. The local government 
15 
unit shall also assist waste workers in their registration with DOLE; 
16 
b) Establish local mechanisms to monitor and address issues related to 
17 
Waste Workers, including but not limited to, workplace safety, social 
18 
protection, and access to training and skills development programs; 
19 
c) Submit periodic reports to the DOLE on the status of Waste Workers 
20 
within their jurisdictions, outlining the measures taken to address issues 
21 
related to employment and working conditions; 
22 
d) Advocate for the inclusion of Waste Workers in social protection 
23 
programs, working with DOLE to explore avenues for health insurance, 
24 
retirement benefits, and other welfare initiatives; 
25 
e) Implement barangay and municipality practices on Solid Waste 
26 
Management; 
27 
f) Draft and implement a ten (10)-year plan on solid waste management 
28 
and disposal; 
29 
g) Equip the Waste Workers directly dealing with waste with personal 
30 
protective equipment, and other necessary resources to ensure 
31 
protection from hazards brought about by handling waste; 
32 


h) Submit periodic reports to the DENR on the status of the 
1 
implementation of the solid waste management and disposal to address 
2 
issues and concerns related to waste management and disposal; and 
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 
 
7 
Sec. 31. Role of the Department of Labor and Employment. – It shall be the 
8 
responsibility of the DOLE to: 
9 
a) Establish guidelines and mechanisms for coordination in overseeing the 
10 
working conditions, rights, and benefits of Waste Workers 
11 
b) Provide technical assistance to local government units in the formulation 
12 
and implementation of programs and initiatives aimed at improving the 
13 
welfare of Waste Workers; 
14 
c) Conduct capacity-building programs for local authorities, waste 
15 
management agencies, and other relevant stakeholders; 
16 
d) Enhance employment opportunities through trade policies and skill 
17 
building; 
18 
e) Establish guidelines and mechanisms for the application of the 
19 
occupational health and safety regulations as well as the regular 
20 
reporting of the working conditions of the Waste Workers; 
21 
f) Promulgate the basis for the adjustment of monetary allowances based 
22 
on the annual inflation; and 
23 
g) Assist the local government units in providing necessary training to the 
24 
collectors and  personnel in accordance with its waste management plan. 
25 
 
26 
Sec. 32. Role of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. – The 
27 
Department of Social Welfare and Development shall be in charge of the social 
28 
protection of Waste Workers through the following functions: 
29 
a) Adopt a social insurance policy which aims to mitigate income risks  by 
30 
applying diversification, a risk management technique through a shared 
31 
fund. This includes programs for micro-insurance payment that will help 
32 
shield the Waste Workers from the unforeseeable risk of unemployment 
33 


due to sickness, retrenchment, national security issues, and national 
1 
health issues; 
2 
b) Provide resources and basic minimum requirements to the marginalized 
3 
sector to aid in the employment as Waste Workers. This shall include 
4 
assistance programs through cash or in-kind transfers as well as 
5 
alternative care and referral services; and 
6 
c) Provide social safety nets to respond to urgent issues like disasters, 
7 
calamities, economic shocks, pandemics and epidemics that will affect  
8 
the vulnerable part of the waste workforce. These measures include 
9 
emergency assistance, price subsidies, food programs, employment  
10 
programs in partnership with DOLE, retraining programs and 
11 
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 
 
17 
Sec. 33. Role of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. – The 
18 
DENR shall perform the following functions: 
19 
a) Ensure that the solid waste management and disposal plans of the local 
20 
government units are properly implemented, pursuant to the Ecological 
21 
Solid Waste Management Act of 2000; 
22 
b) Conduct capacity building with the Waste Workers, local government 
23 
units, waste management agencies, and other relevant stakeholders on 
24 
the assessment of the impact of Waste Workers on climate change; 
25 
c) Conduct seminars and workshops on the proper waste management and 
26 
disposal to help minimize environmental effects specifically climate 
27 
change; 
28 
d) Provide technical assistance to LGUs in identifying and implementing  
29 
best practices on the conduct of work of Waste Workers that minimizes 
30 
environmental effects; 
31 
e) Identify areas with a high risk of adverse environmental effects of waste 
32 
and implement a mitigation plan through the aid of Waste Workers; and 
33 


f) Provide economic incentives and assistance to local government units 
1 
for recycling initiatives. 
2 
 
3 
Sec. 34. Role of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. – 
4 
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (“TESDA”) shall perform 
5 
the following functions: 
6 
a) Adopt a training program for the proper waste collection, recovery, and 
7 
safe handling and disposal of wastes pursuant to the Ecological Solid 
8 
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, the TESDA 
13 
shall  develop training curricula to meet the demands of various 
14 
industries 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 
 
19 
Sec. 35. Role of the Department of Health. – The DOH shall perform the 
20 
following functions: 
21 
a) Provide for health programs, services, and facilities for Waste Workers 
22 
as may be needed, subject to availability of funds and administrative 
23 
rules and regulations, such as: 
24 
b) Coordinate and collaborate with, and assist local communities, agencies, 
25 
and interested groups on the implementation of programs catered for 
26 
Waste Workers; 
27 
c) Collect, analyze, and disseminate statistical and other relevant 
28 
information on the health situation of Waste Workers, and to revise the 
29 
program of the DOH based on the outcome of the statistics; and 
30 
d) Propagate health information and educate Waste Workers on health 
31 
hazards and environmental impacts to their health, geared to prevent 
32 
health-related problems while performing their duties. 
33 
 
34 


Sec. 36. Role of the Public Attorney’s Office. – The Public Attorney’s Office 
1 
(“PAO”) shall perform the following functions: 
2 
a) Provide Waste Workers with free access to courts, judicial, and quasi-
3 
judicial agencies by ensuring that they receive adequate legal 
4 
representation, counseling, and assistance; 
5 
b) Waste Workers who encounter legal issues related to their employment, 
6 
working conditions, or rights violations shall have the right to seek 
7 
assistance from PAO, which shall endeavor to provide timely and 
8 
effective support;  
9 
c) Offer counseling and assistance to Waste Workers through personalized 
10 
legal support and guidance, and empower waste workers to assert their 
11 
rights and seek redress for any injustices or grievances they may face in 
12 
the course of their work; 
13 
d) Conduct awareness campaigns and outreach programs targeted at Waste 
14 
Workers, ensuring that they are informed about their legal entitlements 
15 
and the services available to them through PAO; and 
16 
e) Collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, 
17 
non-governmental organizations, and legal advocacy groups, to address 
18 
systemic issues affecting Waste Workers and advocate for policy reforms 
19 
that uphold their rights and welfare; and 
20 
f) Provide Waste Workers with legal assistance and representation during 
21 
mediation and arbitration proceedings aimed at resolving labor 
22 
disputes.  
23 
 
24 
TITLE IV 
25 
FINAL PROVISIONS 
26 
 
27 
Sec. 37. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – The Secretary of the 
28 
Environment and Natural Resources, after consultation with the participating 
29 
government agencies as specified in Title III of this Act, as well as professional, 
30 
environmental and natural resources workers’ organizations or unions, shall 
31 
formulate and prepare the necessary rules and regulations to implement the 
32 
provisions of this Act. Rules and regulations issued pursuant to this Section shall take 
33 
effect thirty (30) days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation. 
34 


 
1 
Sec. 38. Special Treatment for Benefits of Waste Workers. – All benefits 
2 
received by a Waste Worker under this law, including but not limited to, benefits given 
3 
to rank-and-file employees, whether granted under a collective bargaining agreement 
4 
or not, fringe benefits, and de minimis benefits, are not taxable pursuant to Section 33 
5 
(C)(3) of Republic Act No. 8424, otherwise known as the Tax Reform Act of 1997. 
6 
 
7 
Sec. 39. Waster Workers Appreciation Day. – It is hereby declared that the last 
8 
Sunday of January of every year as Waste Workers Appreciation Day in recognition of 
9 
the invaluable contributions made by our waste workers to keep our communities 
10 
clean and safe. 
11 
 
12 
Sec. 40. Appropriations. – The initial funding requirements for the 
13 
implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current appropriations of the 
14 
agencies concerned. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the 
15 
implementation of this Act shall be included in the yearly budget of the relevant 
16 
agencies under the General Appropriations Act. 
17 
 
18 
Sec 41. Separability Clause. – If any provision of this Act is declared invalid, 
19 
the remainder of this Act or any provisions not affected thereby shall remain in force 
20 
and in effect.  
21 
 
22 
Sec 42. Repealing Clause. – Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive 
23 
order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule, or regulation contrary to, or 
24 
inconsistent with, the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified, or amended 
25 
accordingly.  
26 
 
27 
Sec 43. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
28 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
29 
 
30 
Approved,