Za ver BE SE

Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

7603

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by HONORABLE WES GATCHALIAN

AN ACT
DECLARING THE MONTH OF JUNE OF EVERY YEAR AS THE “NATIONAL
FRONTLINERS MONTH” IN THE ENTIRE COUNTRY

EXPLANATORY NOTE

In the time of the Novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the world witnessed
a new set of heroes. These heroes have been with us for the longest time. However,
when the time came for everyone to stay indoors in order to curb the spread of
COVID-19, they remained in their battle stations.

Healthcare workers, food delivery drivers, supermarket workers, restaurant cooks,
security guards, agriculture and fisheries workers, garbage collectors, bank
employees, business process outsourcing workers, logistics workers, police and
military personnel, social workers, media people, and government workers, inter alia,
have been working selflessly, despite the risk of contracting COVID-19 in order to
assure that essential services are given to the populace.

Since June is the month when we celebrate Philippine independence which was
brought about by the heroism of Filipino revolutionaries who fought against foreign
rule, it is only fitting that this measure seeks to institutionalize the annual
celebration of the principles, values and contributions of our frontliners who carry
the tradition of the same Filipino heroism through their own courage, hard work and
sacrifices. This measure seeks to give recognition to our frontliners as the new breed
of Filipino heroes by declaring the month of June of every year as the National
Frontliners Month.


More than a month in the calendar for frontliners, this bill also mandates the
Department of Health (DOH), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), as the lead agencies, in coordination
with the Civil Service Commission (CSC), Department of Interior and Local
Government (DILG) and other government agencies to conduct activities and
programs that promote the principles and values espoused by our frontliners as well
as honor and /or reward our frontliners for their essential role in the delivery of public

services, recovery and nation building during national emergencies.

In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 7603

Introduced by HONORABLE WES GATCHALIAN

AN ACT
DECLARING THE MONTH OF JUNE OF EVERY YEAR AS THE “NATIONAL
FRONTLINERS MONTH” IN THE ENTIRE COUNTRY”

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

Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “The National
Frontliners Month Act.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. — In recognition of Filipino heroism through the
courage, hard work and sacrifices of our frontliners, the month of June of every year
is hereby declared as the “National Frontliners Month.”

SEC. 3. Objectives of the Policy. The National Frontliners Month aims to:

a. Recognize the significant contributions of frontliners, such as the
healthcare workers, police and military personnel, media, government
workers, logistics workers, storekeepers, security guards, pharmacists,
bank employees, delivery workers and other frontliners, in providing basic
services for the essential needs of the public during national emergencies
such as pandemics, calamities, disasters and other crises;

b. Highlight the heroism of our frontliners in providing, protecting and
delivering public health, safety and welfare services, maintaining public
order and security, keeping the economy running, and supporting the
country and its people in enduring the challenges and difficulties during

national emergencies;


c. Acknowledge the contribution of the employers who have supported these
frontliners in ensuring the continuous flow of and making available
essential goods and services during crises; and

d. Institutionalize the annual celebration that gives honor to our frontliners
for their essential role and heroic response to the needs of the Filipino
people.

SEC. 4, Lead Agencies. ~The Department of Health, the Department of Trade
and Industry, and the Department of Labor and Employment, as the lead agencies,
in coordination with the Civil Service Commission, Department of Interior and Local
Government and other government agencies, are mandated to conduct activities and
programs that promote the principles and values espoused by our frontliners as well
as honor and/or reward our frontliners for their essential role in the delivery of public
services, recovery and nation building during national emergencies.

SEC. 5. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to carry out the provisions
of this Act shall be included in the General Appropriations Act of the year following
its enactment into law, and every year thereafter, as may be necessary.

SEC. 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90) days from
the effectivity of this Act, the Department of Health, the Department of Labor and
Employment and the Civil Service Commission shall promulgate the necessary rules
and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act. Such rules and regulations
shall take effect immediately thereafter.

SEC. 7. Separability Clause. If any part or provision of this Act shall be held
invalid or unconstitutional, the other parts or provisions hereof which are not

affected shall remain in full force and effect.

SEC. 8. Repealing Clause. - All laws, acts, presidential decrees, executive
orders, administrative orders, rules and regulations, or parts thereof, inconsistent
with, or contrary to the provisions of this Act are hereby modified, amended, or

repealed accordingly.

SEC. 9. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.


Approved,