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SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) "18 FEB 21 P12 56

Second Regular Session )

SENATE
S.B. No. 1700

Introduced by Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III

AN ACT GRANTING HAZARD PAY TO ALL PUBLIC
PROSECUTORS, ASSOCIATE PROSECUTION ATTORNEYS,
AND PROSECUTION ATTORNEYS DURING THEIR
INCUMBENCY AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Public prosecutors play a vital and indispensable role in the
Philippine criminal justice system. Apart from prosecuting a case, they
handle inquests and investigations and decide in the first instance
whether a complaint should be brought to court. In the course of their
duties, they come face to face with persons charged with offenses
ranging from the likes of malicious mischief to murder. They carry the
State’s burden to ensure that justice is done; that those who break the
law are made to answer for their crimes. In discharging this burden, it is
inevitable that public prosecutors committed to their duties invite the ire
of those whom they must investigate or prosecute. Tragic examples of
public prosecutors being ambushed and gunned down abound; those that
survive attacks remain either injured or traumatized; and numerous
public prosecutors throughout the country can attest to having been
threatened with physical harm at least once in the course of their careers.

We have granted hazard pay to various government personnel
whose work entails perils to life and limb, such as our soldiers and law-
enforcement agents, because of the nature of their functions. For the
same reason, the perils that our public prosecutors face in performing
their functions justify the grant of hazard pay. This bill proposes a
hazard pay equivalent to twenty-five percent (25%) of their monthly
basic salary.



While hazard pay will not in and of itself address the dangers that
our public prosecutors face, it is both a modest step towards protecting
their independence and a recognition of their invaluable contribution to
the administration of justice.

For the foregoing reasons, prompt passage of this measure is

earnestly sought.
A Renata
AQUILINO “KOKO” PIMENTEL IIL



SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) “18 FEB 21 PI2 56

Second Regular S
receive &: a

sion )

SENATE
8.B.No. 1700 _

Introduced by Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III

AN ACT GRANTING HAZARD PAY TO ALL PUBLIC
PROSECUTORS, ASSOCIATE PROSECUTION ATTORNEYS,
AND PROSECUTION ATTORNEYS DURING THEIR
INCUMBENCY AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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 “Hazard Pay
for Public Prosecutors Act.”

See. 2. Grant of Hazard Pay. All public prosecutors, including
associate prosecution attorneys and prosecution attorneys of the National
Prosecution Service, shall be granted a monthly hazard pay during their
incumbency in an amount equivalent to twenty-five percent (25%) of
their basic monthly salary, as determined by their salary grade.

See. 3. Tax Exemption and Non-Diminution of Benefits. The
hazard pay for public prosecutors shall not be subject to tax and nothing
in this Act shall be construed to diminish, in any manner, any benefit
granted by existing laws, rules and regulations, local ordinances, and
other issuances especially favorable to  duly-appointed _ public
prosecutors and associate prosecution attorneys.

Sec. 4. Appropriations. The amount necessary for the initial
implementation of this Act shall be charged
appropriations of the National Prosecution Service of the Department of
Justice under the current General Appropriations Act. Thereafter, such
amounts as may be necessary for the continued implementation of this
Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.



RYNe

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

Sec. 6. Separability Clause. Should any provision of this Act be
declared invalid, the remaining provisions shall continue to be valid and
subsisting.

Sec. 7. Repealing Clause. All laws, executive orders,
administrative orders, rules and regulations, or parts thereof, that are
inconsistent with this Act are hereby amended, repealed, or modified
accordingly.

Sec. 8. Effectivity Clause. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15)
days after its publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,