This
equivalent t

Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 1836

Introduced by REP. RUWEL PETER S. GONZAGA

EXPLANATORY NOTE

bill seeks to grant a tax-exempt hazard pay to Regional Trial Court (RTC) judges
twenty-five percent (25) of their basic monthly salary during their incumbency.

Section 5, Article II of the 1987 Constitution provides that the maintenance of peace and
order, the pfotection of life liberty and property and the promotion of the general welfare are

essential for}

Ina
independent!
measures to
public polic

the enjoyment by all the people of the blessings of democracy.

‘democracy, there should always be the existence of the rule of law, rooted in an
judiciary. Along this line, it has been declared as a policy of the State to adopt
guarantee the independence of the judiciary as mandated by the Constitution and
and to ensure impartial administration of justice, as well as an effective and efficient

system worthy of public trust and confidence.

Ace
the RTC of

rding to Tribute to the Fallen: The Case for Hazard Pay by Hon. Angelo C. Perez of
‘abanatuan City, Branch 27, members of the judiciary are potential targets of assaults,

attacks and intentional killings by disgruntled, dissatisfied or vindictive parties or litigants. They
are even targets of criminals who just want to make a name for themselves. It was further stated
that consideting judges face great risks or threats to life by reason of their profession, the impetus

and urgency

The
small measi
recognition

for the grant of hazard pay to members of the judiciary are now apparent.

wuarantee of adequate salaries and the granting of hazard pay to RTC judges is but a
aimed not only to protect the judges’ personal independence but also meant as a
n their contribution to nation building.

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

Ke at, Ss. ice.



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 1836

Introduced by REP. RUWEL PETER S. GONZAGA

AN ACT
GI TING HAZARD PAY TO REGIONAL TRIAL COURT JUDGES AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFORE

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 Regional Trial
Court Judges Act”:

SECTION 2. All duly appointed judges in the Regional trial Court shall be granted a
hazard pay during their incumbency in the amount equivalent to twenty-five percent (25%) of their
basic monthly salary.

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

SECTION 4. The hazard pay for Regional Trial Court judges 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 judges in the Regional Trial Court.

SECTION 5. The Department of Budget and Management in consultation with the
Judiciary shall, within sixty (60) days after the effectivity of this Act, issue the implementing rules
and regulations of this Act.

SECTION 6. Repealing Clause.— Any provision of laws, decrees, executive orders, rules
and regulations inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed and modified
accordingly,

SECTION 6. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,