Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

LAT AMS 2 5 2x

Quezon City . TIME: 12s sm
5 BN: hia
EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS

emer

Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 7490

Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR.

AN ACT
GRANTING HAZARD PAY TO PRIVATE AND PUBLIC HEALTHCARE
WORKERS DURING THE 2019 CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19) PANDEMIC

Since the Philippines was first placed under quarantine measures in March 2020,
several doctors, nurses and other health workers have caught the coronavirus disease
(COVID-19). Some have recovered but some passed away and recognized as heroes.
COVID-19 was declared by the World Health Organization as a public health
emergency of international concer as early as January 30, 2020.

This bill seeks to recognize the hard work and the invaluable service rendered by these
healthcare workers by mandating that they are given hazard pay for the duration the
COVID-19 pandemic as a public health emergency. The hazard pay shall be equivalent
to at least 30% of the basic monthly salary of the affected worker.

The hazard pay can never truly compensate the invaluable service of our healthcare
workers but it at least gives recognition to the extraordinary and invaluable service of
these workers in these critical times. It is only right that we give them proper benefits.

The immediate passage of this bill is most earnestly sought.

a

LUIS RAYMU! “LRAY/ F. VILLAFUERTE, JR.



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

7430

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR.

AN ACT
GRANTING HAZARD PAY TO PRIVATE AND PUBLIC HEALTHCARE
WORKERS DURING THE 2019 CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19) PANDEMIC

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

SECTION 1. This Act shall be known as the COVID-19 Hazard Pay for
Healthcare Workers Act of 2020.

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared a policy of the State to
safeguard healthcare workers against injury, sickness, death, or any hazards in their
work environment. This is with the end in view of fulfilling the State policy of protecting
the rights of workers and promoting their welfare.

SEC. 3. Coverage. — This Act shall apply to all healthcare workers in the public
and private sector. This includes medical practitioners, staff, and aide in hospitals,
sanitaria, rural health units, main health centers, health infirmaries, barangay health
stations, clinics, laboratories, and other health-related establishments who are
exposed to the 2019 Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).

For the avoidance of doubt, workers of third-party service contractors, such as
security guards and janitors, who are deployed to any of the aforementioned
institutions shall also receive the benefit provided under this Act for the duration of the
COVID-19 pandemic.

SEC. 4. Hazard Pay. - Workers covered by this Act shall be compensated with
hazard allowances equivalent to at least thirty percent (30%) of their respective
monthly basic salary for the duration of COVID-19 pandemic.

SEC. 5. Non-Diminution of Benefits. - Nothing in this Act shall be construed
to diminish existing benefits under present laws, company policies, and collective
bargaining agreements


SEC. 6. Under this Act, such increase of hazard pay or its equivalent shall not
be subject to tax consistent with the very purpose of this grant of incentives to all public
and private medical workers assigned exposed to the danger of COVID-19.

SEC. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — Within sixty (60) days from
the effectivity of this Act, the Department of Health (DOH) and Department of Labor
and Employment (DOLE), in consultation with appropriate government agencies and
other relevant stakeholders, shall formulate the rules and regulations to effectively
implement the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 8. Separability Clause. — If for any reason or reasons, part of the
provision of this Act shall be held to be unconstitutional or invalid, other parts or
provisions hereof which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and
effect.

SEC. 9. Repealing Clause. All other laws, decrees, executive orders and
issuances, resolutions, ordinances or circulars inconsistent with this Act are hereby
repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.

SEC. 10. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette at least two (2) national newspaper of general
circulation.

Approved,