Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No._ 2999

INTRODUCED BY HONORABLE JANICE V. DEGAMO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Filipino nurse has long been recognized as a pillar of the nation’s healthcare
system and a source of pride in the global medical community. They undergo years of
rigorous education and licensure, provide critical care in often challenging and hazardous
conditions, and are expected to deliver their duties with compassion, precision, and
professionalism. Yet, in the private health sector of the Philippines, many nurses continue
to be underpaid, overworked, and undervalued.

This bill seeks to correct this long-standing inequity by establishing a national
minimum wage of P27,000 per month for licensed nurses in private health facilities,
reflecting a fair and livable standard based on their professional qualifications, the
‘economic cost of living, and the indispensable nature of their work. The proposed wage is
grounded on the recognition that nurses deserve to live with dignity, support their
families, and pursue their profession without undue financial distress.

To encourage compliance, the bill provides targeted incentives to private bealth
institutions that adhere to the wage mandate, such as tax deductions and fast-tracked
government accreditations. Recognizing the variation in economic capacity across
regions, the bill also allows for phased implementation outside Metro Manila, beginning
at P22,000 per month with a full rollout to 27,000 within two years.

The ill further outlines prohibited acts to prevent misclassification,
underpayment, and retaliation, thereby reinforcing labor rights and accountability within
the private health sector.

‘The passage of this measure is both a moral imperative and a strategic investment.
It honors the contributions of Filipino nurses, strengthens the local health workforce, and
ensures better patient care across all regions. It also addresses the alarming trend of nurse
migration by making it more viable for skilled health professionals to remain and serve in
the Philippines.


In enacting the Nurse Living Wage and Dignity Act of 2025, Congress affirms its
commitment to upholding social justice, protecting healthcare workers, and promoting
equitable development in the healthcare sector.

Approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

sa V. DEGAMO



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
2950

House Bill No.

Introduced by HONORABLE JANICE V. DEGAMO

AN ACT
AMMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9173 TO PROVIDE A NATIONAL
MINIMUM WAGE FOR LICENSED NURSES IN THE PRIVATE HEALTH
SECTOR AND PROVIDE INCENTIVES TO HEALTH INSTITUTIONS FOR
COMPLIANCE THEREWITH, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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

Section 1. Title. This Act shall be known as the “Nurse Living Wage and Dignity
Act of 2025.”

Section 2. Declaration of Policy. It is the policy of the State to uphold the dignity
of Filipino nurses by ensuring just and humane compensation for their services.
Recognizing their professional education, vital role in national health, and the risks they
face daily, the State shall ensure all licensed nurses are paid no less than a livable wage
that respects their qualifications and working conditions.

Section 3. Amendment to Section 32. Section 32. Salary. Is hereby amended to
read as follows:

“In order to enhance the general welfare, commitment to service and
professionalism of nurses the minimum base pay of nurses working in the public health
institutions shall not be lower than salary grade 15 prescribes under Republic Act No.
6758, otherwise known as the "Compensation and Classification Act of 1989": Provided,
That for nurses working in local government units, adjustments to their salaries shall be
in accordance with Section 10 of the said law.All nurses employed in private health
institutions shall receive a minimum base pay of not less than Twenty-Seven Thousand
Pesos (P27,000.00), res less of employment st location, or hospital classification,
The minimum base pay shall be exclusive of mandatory benefits such as SSS, PhilHealth,
Pag-IBIG, and other entitlements and will be subject every two (2) years to review by the
Department of Labor and Employment.”

Section 4, Insertion of Section 32-A. A new Section 32-A is hereby inserted to
read as follows:


In consideration of regional disparities, the Department of Labor and Employment
OLE) may authorize a phased implementation for private health institutions outside of

Metro Manila under the following conditions:

a. The i not be below Twenty-Two Thousand Pesos 000.00)
per month;
b. Full compliance with the Tw: yen Thousand Pesos (27,000.00) rat all

be achieved within two (2) years:

c. Employers must submit a formal compliance plan to DOLE within six (6)
months from the effectivity of this Act.

Section 5. Insertion of Section 32-B. A new Section 32-B is hereby inserted to
read as follows:

Private health institutions that fully comply with this Act shall be entitled to:

a. Tax deductions ual t to oF Percent (50%) of the difference between the

ast-tracked pro g of Phil
accreditations, where applicable.

Section 6. Insertion of Section 32-C. A new Section 32-C is hereby inserted to
read as follow:

Itshall be unlawful for any private health facility to:
a. Misclassify licensed nurses to circumvent this Act;
b. der w th

Eny
this Act;
c. Deny government-m: benefits;
d. Dismiss, harass, or penalize nurses for asserti its under this Act.
Violators shall be fined not less than One Hundred Thousand Pesos (P 100,000.00)
r affected licensed nurse and may be subject to labor sanctions and lic ion
under DOLE rules.

Section 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. Within ninety (90) days from
the effectivity of this Act, the Department of Labor, in coordination with the Department
of Health, and Professional Regulation Committee shall promulgate the necessary
implementing rules and regulations.

Section 8. Separability Clause. If any provision of this Act is held
unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.


Section 9. Repealing Clause. All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, and
rules inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Section 10. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
complete publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,