Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 10020 
Introduced by Representative Ruwel Peter S. Gonzaga 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The rapid growth of population in the Philippines has also resulted in the rise 
of garbage from households especially in the urban areas. It made waste management 
more difficult and required more serious attention in order to address a major 
environmental challenge that will have a negative impact on our daily lives. The 
rampant littering and unabated disposal of waste from thriving communities not only 
contribute to local degradation of the environment but also have a profound effect on 
climate change. Such improper disposal of solid waste and the public’s adverse and 
irresponsible attitude towards waste segregation will definitely result in unfavorable 
living conditions. 
It was reported in 2023 that the Philippines generates about 61,000 million 
metric tons of waste daily. This is an environmental problem that necessarily needs the 
indispensable and invaluable help of garbage collectors. Garbage collectors and 
consequently garbage truck drivers have the unenviable task of collecting, segregating 
and conduct proper disposal of solid waste to ensure that the same will not pose as a 
threat to the environment and cause physical harm to the inhabitants in the 
community. Our so called “sachet economy” as others would regard it makes life even 
more difficult for these unsung environmental heroes that oftentimes suffer albeit 
without them knowing the hazards of performing their duties. Aside from the prejudice 
and disrespect caused by the nature of their work, they also suffer from the risk 
brought about by the chemical, biological, physical, safety hazards and various 
stressors that they encounter everyday while at work. Such exposure to various factors 
results in cardio vascular and other health problems that needs governmental 
intercession and support. 
The 1987 Constitution provides that” The State shall protect and advance the 
right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and 
March 4, 2024
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harmony of nature.” It will be a disservice to our environmental frontliners if they will 
not be given some sort of recognition and benefit as a way of rewarding them for their 
contribution to such a balanced and healthful ecology. According them such benefits 
is tantamount to highlighting their continuing importance to such state policy. 
In view of the foregoing, the urgent passing of this bill is fervently sought. 
RUWEL PETER S. GONZAGA


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 10020 
Introduced by Representative Ruwel Peter S. Gonzaga 
AN ACT 
PROVIDING PROTECTION AND BENEFITS TO GARBAGE COLLECTORS AND 
GARBAGE TRUCK DRIVERS 
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 “Garbage Collector 
Protection and Benefits Act of 2024.” 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is hereby declared the policy of the state to 
enhance the well-being, safety, protection, and entitlements of all garbage collectors and 
garbage truck drivers performing hazardous work and facing physical challenges, to 
uphold and defend their rights, and to shield them from any form of abuse, harassment, 
cruelty, or exploitation while performing their duties and responsibilities. 
SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. — As used in this Act, the following words and phrases 
shall be defined as follows: 
(a) Hazard Pay – as defined by the Department of Budget Management (DBM), refers
to the “additional compensation for performing hazardous duties and for enduring
physical hardships in the course of the performance of duties.”
(b) Personal Protective Equipment – clothing and equipment that are used or worn for
protection against exposure to a variety of hazardous substances or environments.
(c) Garbage Collector – refers to an individual worker engaged in the collection,
transportation, and disposal of solid waste, garbage, or refuse materials as part of
their employment duties and is responsible for the proper and timely removal of


 
waste from residential, commercial, or industrial areas, often in accordance with 
local government regulations and sanitation ordinances. 
 
SECTION 4. Barangay Garbage Collector Teams. — All Barangays should have at least 
one (1) garbage collector team consisting of at least two (2) garbage collectors and a 
driver operating a garbage truck. The number of garbage collector teams, garbage truck 
drivers, and garbage collectors shall depend on the population of the Barangay.  
 
SECTION 5. Hazard Pay. — Every garbage collector and garbage truck driver shall be 
entitled to a monthly hazard pay of no less than One Thousand Pesos (P1,000.00). This 
hazard pay, as prescribed by this Act, shall be exempted from tax and shall be separate 
and distinct from their regular monthly wages or salaries.  
 
SECTION 6. Annual Health Examination. — Every garbage collector and garbage truck 
driver shall be entitled to a free annual medical check up that shall include basic diagnostic 
and laboratory tests and a complete physical examination.  
 
SECTION 7. Upholding of Dignity and Protection from Discrimination, Harassment, and 
Unfair Treatment. — The dignity of garbage collectors and garbage truck drivers shall be 
upheld at all times and they shall be protected from discrimination, harassment, and unfair 
treatment by reason of their job. 
 
SECTION 8. Personal Protective Equipment. — All garbage collectors and garbage 
truck drivers shall receive from their employer essential equipment, tools, and safety gear 
required for the efficient and safe execution of their duties. This includes but is not limited 
to safety glasses, reflective vests, appropriate clothing, rubber boots, masks, and 
protective gloves designed to safeguard their health during the performance of their 
tasks. 
 
SECTION 9. Seminars and Training on Proper Waste Management. — Local 
Government Units shall conduct free seminars and training on proper waste management 
for all garbage collectors and garbage truck drivers every six (6) months.  
 
SECTION 10. Other Benefits and Incentives. — All garbage collectors and garbage 
truck drivers who rendered at least one (1) year of continuous service shall be entitled to 
the following: 
(a) Christmas bonus; and 
(b) Insurance coverage. 
 


 
SECTION 11. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — Within six (6) months or from 
the start of the contract from the effectivity of this Act, the Department of Labor and 
Employment and the Civil Service Commission shall jointly promulgate rules and 
regulations to carry out the provisions of this Act. 
 
SECTION 12. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette, in a newspaper of general circulation, or on a website 
provided for by law. 
 
 
Approved,