NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Second Regular Session 
)
I 
I i .
•; . *• (©ffirr of Ii.' (•'
23 OCT 10 P2 :44
SENATE
S. No. 2465
RtCEiVtDBV:
Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE MAGNA CARTA FOR PUBLIC DISASTER RISK 
REDUCTION AND MANAGEMENT WORKERS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Republic Act No. 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and 
Management Act was enacted in May 2010 mainstreamed internationally accepted 
principles of disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) in the formulation and 
implementation of national and local sustainable development and poverty reduction 
strategies. It also established DRRM offices in every province, city and municipality, 
and barangays throughout the country. The landmark law institutionalized the network 
of DRRM workers at all levels of the government structure to ensure swift and effective 
disaster management and response during times of public emergencies.
The DRRM workers have been the country's frontliners and first responders 
during crisis situations. They carry out important, round-the-clock tasks of providing 
humanitarian assistance, disseminating timely information, and leading relief and 
rescue operations during the onslaught of natural calamities. They have also been 
particularly active and constantly exposed to grave health risks in the fight against the 
novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. Hence, it is imperative that there should be 
a national policy that recognizes the essential work that they do, honors their 
dedication to duty, and promotes their rights and welfare as workers.


This proposed legislation aims to address the gap between the broad mandate 
and responsibilities given to our DRRM workers and the lack of proper compensation, 
proper benefits and incentives for them. This measure, endorsed by the Office of Civil 
Defense (OCD), is a product of consultations with various DRRM workers associations 
and agencies of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council 
(NDRRMC).
The Magna Carta for Public Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Workers 
shall cover those engaged in the prevention and mitigation, preparedness, response, 
and rehabilitation and recovery programs who are employed by the government or 
any of its political subdivisions. This bill has three main objectives; 1) Promote the 
well-being of Public DRRM Workers through the improvement of working conditions, 
environment and terms of employment; 2) Promote the development of skills and 
capabilities so that they will be more responsive and be better equipped in the delivery 
of DRRM services and programs; and 3) Encourage those with proper qualifications 
and excellent abilities to join and remain in the government service and the profession.
More specifically, this measure introduces a range of benefits for Public DRRM 
workers, including hazard pay, subsistence allowance, insurance coverage, longevity 
pay, compensation for work-related injuries and sickness, night shift differential, legal 
assistance, security of tenure, and related necessary support such as medical and 
psychosocial examinations and the provision of personal protective equipment, free 
vaccination and other prophylactic medicine.
In light of the DRRM workers' crucial role in maintaining public health, order 
and safety, and considering the increased frequency and intensity of climate change- 
related disturbances that occur in the country, the consideration of this bill is earnestly 
sought.
JL
JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Second Regular Session 
)
3 .>' i0f(uT of ti;: £r
23 OCT 10 P2 '44
SENATE
S. No. 2465
RECEIVED BY;
Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE MAGNA CARTA FOR PUBLIC DISASTER RISK 
REDUCTION AND MANAGEMENT WORKERS
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Magna Carta for Public
2 
Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Workers
3 
Sec. 2. Statement of Policy. - It shall be the policy of the State to:
4 
a) Uphold the people's constitutional rights to life and property by addressing
5 
the root causes of vulnerabilities to disasters, strengthening the country's
6 
institutional capacity for disaster risk reduction and management, and
7 
building the resilience of local communities to disasters including climate
8 
change impacts;
9 
b) Recognize and strengthen the capacities of Local Government Units (LGUs)
10 
and communities in mitigating, preparing for, responding to, and recovering
11 
from the impact of hazards and disasters; and
12 
c) Enhance the implementation of Republic Act No. 10121, otherwise known
13 
as the "Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010" by
14 
enacting measures with special reference to the welfare of all Public DRRM
15 
Workers in the country.
16 
Towards this end, this Act aims to:


1 
a) Promote and improve socio-economic and psychological well-being of
2 
Public DRRM Workers, through the improvement of working conditions,
3 
environment and terms of employment;
4 
b) Promote the development of skills and capabilities of Public DRRM Workers
5 
for them to be more responsive and be better equipped for the delivery of
6 
DRRM services and programs; and
7 
c) Encourage those with proper qualifications and excellent abilities to join
8 
and remain in the government service and DRRM profession.
9 
Sec. 3. Definition. - For purposes of this Act, "Public DRRM Workers" refers to
10 
all persons who are engaged in the performance of duties covering any or all Thematic
11 
Pillars of DRRM - Prevention and Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, and
12 
Rehabilitation and Recovery - employed by the government or any of its political
13 
subdivisions, instrumentalities, or agencies. The Public DRRM Worker may either be
14 
civilian personnel engaged in a permanent, temporary, contractual, or casual
15 
employment or a Public DRRM Worker engaged through a Contract of Service (CoS)
16 
and Job Order (JO) and such other appointments, so long as their position or
17 
designation or actual work performed involves government service work and those
18 
functions provided under Section 5 of this Act.
19 
Sec. 4. Certification. -The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management
20 
Council (NDRRMC), shall be the certifying body to oversee the following: (i) That the
21 
DRRM functions or activities of an agency or LGU are authorized by law and/or proper
22 
authority; (ii) The positions are part of the authorized staffing of the organizational
23 
units performing the DRRM functions; and (iii) Monitor that the incumbents thereof
24 
are actually engaged in DRRM work.
25 
Sec. 5. Classification of DRRM Activities. - The following DRRM activities shall
26 
be classified according to the risks involved based on the nature of work or location
27 
they are working in:
28 
a) Low Risk DRRM Activities - DRRM activities that subject a Public DRRM
29 
Worker to minimal exposure or lesser degree of occupational risks or perils
30 
to life, such as but not limited to, regular office or clerical work and those
31 
personnel that are not deployed for DRRM activities in high-risk areas.


1 
b) High Risk DRRM Activities- DRRM activities that expose the Public DRRM
2 
Worker to occupational risks or perils to life, such as but not limited to,
3 
search, rescue, and retrieval operations, management of the dead and
4 
missing, rapid damage needs assessment, post-disaster needs assessment,
5 
emergency response activities, post-disaster activities, health and
6 
epidemic/pandemic response operations, and Low Risk DRRM Activities in
7 
high-risk areas such as those Public DRRM workers deployed in identified
8 
activities under the different Thematic Pillars and in critical areas that are
9 
about to be affected, is affected, and during the early recovery from natural
10 
or human-induced hazards. Such activities shall also cover those that are to
11 
be performed in high-risk areas.
12 
Low Risk DRRM activities shall be considered as high risk DRRM activities
13 
when the same is being performed in an affected area or in areas deemed
14 
high risk; Provided, that the determination of such classification shall be
15 
under the discretion of the respective heads of agencies concerned.
16 
Sec. 6. Recruitment and Qualification. - Recruitment policy and minimum
17 
requirements with respect to the selection and appointment and/or assignment of
18 
Public DRRM Workers shall be developed by the NDRRMC in accordance with the
19 
policies and standards of the Civil Service Commission and implemented by the
20 
respective agencies concerned: Provided, that in the absence of eligibles and it
21 
becomes necessary in the public interest to fill a vacancy, a temporary appointment
22 
shall be issued to the person, including persons with disability (PWD), who meets ail
23 
the requirements for the position to which he/she is being appointed except the
24 
appropriate civil service eligibility: Provided, further, that such temporary appointment
25 
shall not exceed twelve (12) months nor be less than three (3) months, renewable
26 
only once thereafter but that the appointee may be replaced sooner if (a) a qualified
27 
civil service eligible becomes available, or (b) the appointee is found wanting in
28 
capacity or delivering poor performance or conduct unbefitting a government
29 
employee.
30 
Sec. 7. DRRM Volunteers. - DRRM Volunteers shall not be covered by this Act,
31 
but shall otherwise be covered by the Guidelines on Accredited Community Disaster
32 
Volunteers (ACDV) and pursuant to Section 9(o) of RA 10121 and its implementing


1 
rules and regulations issued by the NDRRMC. For those that are not covered by the
2 
ACDV Guidelines, their respective organizations shall provide ample protection to their
3 
personnel-volunteers in consonance with the provisions of this Act.
4 
Sec. 8. Non-permanent Public DRRM Workers. - Non-permanent Public DRRM
5 
Workers engaged by the Government, such as Job Order, Contract of Service
6 
personnel, and consultants may be provided with such welfare benefits under Sections
7 
25, 26, and 32 of this Act in relation to the performance of their duties as premiums
8 
thereof should their contracts require or allow them to provide services that are
9 
deemed high risk in nature: Provided, that the Non-permanent Public DRRM Worker
10 
shall secure a certification from the head of agency or its duly designated
11 
representative that he/she has performed either of the DRRM functions or activities
12 
as provided for under Section 5 of this Act as a requirement to avail such benefits.
13 
Sec. 9. Performance Evaluation and Merit Promotion. - All concerned agencies,
14 
in consultation under Section 39 of this Act, shall prepare a uniform career and
15 
personnel development plan applicable to all Public DRRM Workers. Such career and
16 
personnel development plan shall Include provisions on merit promotion, performance
17 
evaluation, in-service training grants, job rotation, and incentive and award system.
18 
The performance evaluation plan shall consider foremost the improvement of
19 
individual employee efficiency and organizational effectiveness: Provided, that each
20 
employee shall be informed regularly by his/her supervisor of his/her performance
21 
evaluation.
22 
The merit promotion plan shall be in consonance with the rules of the Civil
23 
Service Commission.
24 
Sec. 10. Transfer or Geographical Reassignment of Public DRRM Workers. -
25 
a) Transfer is the movement of an employee from one organizational unit to
26 
another in the same department or agency or from one department or
27 
agency to another which is of equivalent rank, level, or salary without gap
28 
in service. On the other hand. Re-assignment is a movement of an employee
29 
across the organizational structure within the same department or agency
30 
which does not involve a reduction in rank, level, or salary. A transfer
31 
requires an issuance of appointment while geographical re-assignment does
32 
not.


1 
b) A Public DRRM Worker shall not be transferred and/or reassigned, except
2 
when made in the interest of public service, in which case, the employee
3 
concerned shall be informed of the reasons therefor in writing. If the Public
4 
DRRM Worker believes that there is no justification for the transfer and/or
5 
reassignment, he/she may appeal his/her case to the Civil Service
6 
Commission. In case of an appeal, the transfer/reassignment shall be held
7 
in abeyance and shall only take effect if the appeal is denied: Provided, that
8 
no transfer and/or reassignment shall be made for reasons merely of
9 
political affiliation; Provided further, that no transfer and/or reassignment
10 
whatsoever shall be made three (3) months before and three (3) months
11 
after any local or national elections: Provided furthermore, that the
12 
transfer/reassignment of Public DRRM Workers' nature of work shall remain
13 
to be DRRM in nature; Provided finally, that the necessary expenses of the
14 
transfer and/or reassignment of the Public DRRM Worker and his/her
15 
immediate family shall be paid for by the Government.
16 
Sec. 11. Married Public DRRM Workers. - Whenever possible, the proper
17 
authorities shall take steps to enable married couples, both of whom are Public DRRM
18 
Workers, to be employed or assigned in the same LGU or government agency, but not
19 
necessarily in the same office department or division.
20 
Sec. 12. Security of Tenure. - In case of permanent employment of Public
21 
DRRM Workers, their services shall not be terminated except for cause provided by
22 
law and after due process: Provided, that if a Public DRRM Worker is found by the
23 
Civil Service Commission to be unjustly dismissed from work, he/she shall be entitled
24 
to reinstatement without loss of seniority rights and to his/her back wages with
25 
applicable commensurate interest, subject to prevailing laws and policies computed
26 
from the time his/her compensation was withheld from his/her up to the time of
27 
reinstatement.
28 
Sec. 13. Protection from Discrimination. - Public DRRM Workers shall be
29 
protected from discrimination regardless of their sex, age, gender, sexual orientation,
30 
race, ethnicity, pregnancy, physical disability or characteristics, civil status, creed,
31 
religious and political beliefs, or any other status in the exercise of his/her profession:


1 
Provided, that the disability of the Public DRRM Worker shall not limit his/her effective
2 
performance of the DRRM profession which he/she is hired and/or appointed to.
3 
Sec. 14. Duties and Obligations. -The Public DRRM Worker shall:
4 
a) Perform his/her duty with utmost respect for life;
5 
b) Exercise his/her functions without consideration to race, sex, ethnicity,
6 
gender, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, party policies, and social
7 
status;
8 
c) Discharge his/her duty humanely with conscience and dignity;
9 
d) Be duty-ready at all times and prepared to be deployed in any kind of
10 
emergencies and disasters, adhering to all emergency protocol: Provided,
11 
That in the event where the family of the Public DRRM Worker is directly
12 
affected by the disaster, he/she shall first ensure their safety and well-
13 
being;
14 
e) Be properly trained and proficient in his/her assigned position and tasks;
15 
f) Always endeavor to maintain a level of health and fitness consistent with
16 
the demands of the DRRM profession;
17 
g) Actively participate in all in-service training, drills, and simulation exercises
18 
that will enhance his/her capacity in performing his functions as a Public
19 
DRRM Worker;
20 
h) Be familiar with the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan,
21 
Contingency Plans, and Public Service Continuity Plan of the agency or LGU
22 
to which they are employed or engaged and contribute in their Occupational
23 
Safety and Health 
efforts;
24 
i) Conduct needs assessment as part of risk reduction and planning;
25 
j) Not consume liquor or any substances, legal or illegal, prior or while in the
26 
performance of duties that could impair his/her vigilance or judgment;
27 
k) Maintain an in-depth understanding of the emergency and DRRM
28 
procedures;
29 
I) Practice utmost safety and diligence in the performance of duty; and
30 
m) Always adhere that Disaster Prevention and Mitigation is first and foremost
31 
the most essential and that the same saves lives.


1 
Sec. 15. Code of Conduct - Within six (6) months from the approval of this
2 
Act, the NDRRMC, upon consultation with the appropriate agencies and
3 
instrumentalities of the government, and appropriate DRRM worker's organizations,
4 
shall formulate and prepare a Code of Conduct for Public DRRM Workers, in
5 
consonance with Republic Act No. 6713 or the "Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards
6 
for Public Officials and Employees", which shall be disseminated as widely as possible.
7 
Sec. 16. Administrative Charges. - Administrative charges against a DRRM
8 
Worker shall be heard by a committee created by the agency/office where the Public
9 
DRRM Worker belongs pursuant to the existing "Revised Rules on Administrative Cases
10 
in the Civil Service (RRACCS)". The committee shall submit its findings and
11 
recommendations to the head of agency/office within thirty (30) days from the
12 
termination of the hearings.
13 
The Committee shall be appointed by the Head of Agency or LGU and shall be
14 
composed of seven (7) members, including the Chairperson. It shall be composed of
15 
the following:
16 
a) Second highest ranking official, for NGAs, or Vice-Mayor for LGUs, or Vice-
17 
Governor for Provincial Level, as its Chairperson;
18 
b) The Head of Human Resource as its Vice-Chairperson;
19 
c) One (1) Division Chief with a salary grade of not lower than 22;
20 
d) Two (2) Section Chiefs or employees with salary grade of not lower than
21 
18;
22 
e) One (1) representative from a recognized Public DRRM Worker's association
23 
or its equivalent; Provided, that the said representative also belongs to the
24 
agency, and in the absence thereof, an employee with a salary grade of not
25 
lower than 18; and
26 
f) One (1) representative from the legal section or division, or its equivalent.
27 
The Head of Office may reorganize the composition of the Committee in such
28 
cases where one or more members of the Committee is/are the interested party or in
29 
cases necessary to discharge the functions of the Committee, such as when the
30 
prescribed composition of the Committee cannot be met due to insufficiency,
31 
unavailability, or absence of the position, rank, or office in the agency. In such case.


1 
the Head of Office shall exercise diligence in choosing the members in accordance
2 
with their ranks or functions consistent with the prescribed composition.
3 
Sec. 17. Legal Support. - Public DRRM Workers shall be exempted from any
4 
liability as to damage to any property or injury to a person caused in the direct
5 
performance of their duty relative to disaster or emergency response and other reiated
6 
activities where the same is necessary in order to save iives or properties, in
7 
accordance with Art. 11, par. 5 of the Revised Penai Code and/or other appiicabie iaws
8 
and issuances. In any case, however, the Public DRRM Worker shall be afforded with
9 
appropriate assistance by their respective agency or LCD concerned in view that any
10 
conflict that may arise shall be resolved amicably or extra-judicially through
11 
commensurate and peaceful means.
12 
In cases where injury or death is involved and a case has been filed against the
13 
Public DRRM Worker, he/she shall be afforded with all possible legal assistance by the
14 
Agency or LGU concerned: Provided, that it is established by the Public DRRM Worker,
15 
through a Sworn Affidavit, that the injury or death caused is in direct connection of
16 
his/her duty, without any criminal or malicious intent.
17 
Sec. 18. Safeguards in Disciplinary Procedures. - In every disciplinary
18 
proceeding, the Pubiic DRRM Worker shall have:
19 
a) the right to be informed, in writing, of the charges;
20 
b) the right to full access to the evidence in the case;
21 
c) the right to defend himself/herself and to be defended by a representative
22 
of his/her choice and/or by his/her organization, with adequate time given
23 
to the Public DRRM Worker for the preparation of his/her defense;
24 
d) the right to confront witnesses presented against him/her and summon
25 
witnesses in his/her behalf;
26 
e) the right to appeai to designated authorities;
27 
f) the right to reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred in his/her
28 
defense in case of exoneration or dismissal of the charges; and
29 
g) such other rights as will ensure fairness and impartiality during
30 
proceedings.
31 
Sec. 19. Normal Hours of Work. -The normal hours of work of any Public DRRM
32 
Worker shali not exceed eight (8) hours a day or forty (40) hours a week.


1 
Hours worked shall include: a) all the time during which a Public DRRM Worker is
2 
required to be on active duty or to be at a prescribed workplace; and b) all the time
3 
during which a Public DRRM Worker is placed in On-Call status; Provided, that, a Public
4 
DRRM Worker particularly placed in "On Call" status shall be entitled to an "On Call"
5 
pay equivalent to fifty percent (50%) of his/her regular wage; Provided, further, that
6 
no Public DRRM Worker shall be placed "On-Call" status beyond seven (7) days per
7 
month.
8 
"On Call" status refers to a status where a Public DRRM Worker not on active
9 
duty is called upon to respond to urgent or immediate need for response-related
10 
activities relative to emergencies such that he/she cannot devote the time for his/her
11 
own use.
12 
Sec. 20. Overtime Work. - Where the exigencies of the service so require, any
13 
Public DRRM Worker may be required to render service beyond the normal eight (8)
14 
hours a day. In such a case, the workers shall be paid an additional compensation in
15 
accordance with existing laws and prevailing practices: Provided, that such
16 
compensation shall be subject to the same rates, conditions, and limitations applicable
17 
to qualified government personnel provided under relevant issuances of Civil Service
18 
Commission (CSC) - Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
19 
Sec. 21. Work During Rest Day. -
20 
a) Where a Public DRRM Worker is made to work on his/her scheduled rest
21 
day, he/she shall be paid an additional compensation in accordance with
22 
existing laws.
23 
b) Where a Public DRRM Worker is made to work on any special holiday he/she
24 
shall be paid an additional compensation in accordance with existing laws.
25 
Where such holiday work falls on the worker's scheduled rest day, he/she
26 
shall be entitled to an additional compensation as may be provided by
27 
existing laws.
28 
Sec. 22. Night-Shift Differentiai. -
29 
a) Every Public DRRM Worker shall be paid a night-shift differential of twenty
30 
percent (20%) of his/her regular wage for each hour of work performed
31 
during the night-shifts.


1 
b) Every Public DRRM Worker required to work on the period covered after
2 
his/her regular schedule shall be entitled to his/her regular wage plus the
3 
regular overtime rate and an additional amount of twenty percent (20%)
4 
of such overtime rate for each hour of work performed between six (6)
5 
o'clock in the evening to six (6) o'clock in the morning.
6 
Sec. 23. Salaries. - In the determination of the salary scale of Public DRRM
7 
Workers, the existing applicable law on the salary scheme of government employees
8 
shall govern.
9 
a) Salary Scale for Local Public DRRM Worker - The salary scales of Public
10 
DRRM Workers whose salaries are appropriated by a municipality, city, or
11 
provincial government shall be based on the salary schedule being
12 
implemented by the LGU concerned;
13 
b) Salaries to be Paid in Legal Tender - Salaries of Public DRRM Workers shall
14 
be paid in legal tender of the Philippines or the equivalent in checks or
15 
treasury warrants: Provided, however, that such checks or treasury
16 
warrants shall be convertible to cash in any national, provincial, city or
17 
municipal treasurers' office or any banking institution operating under the
18 
laws of the Republic of the Philippines.
19 
c) Deductions Prohibited - No person shall make any deduction whatsoever
20 
from the salaries of Public DRRM Workers except under specific provision
21 
of law authorizing such deductions: Provided, however, that upon written
22 
authority executed by the Public DRRM Worker concerned, a) lawful dues
23 
or fees owing to any organization/association where such Public DRRM
24 
Worker is an officer or member; and b) premiums properly due all insurance
25 
policies, retirement and medicare shall be considered deductible.
26 
Sec. 24. Additional Compensation. - Notwithstanding Section 12 of Republic
27 
Act No. 6758 also known as the "Compensation and Position Classification Act of
28 
1989", Public DRRM Workers shall receive the following allowances: hazard allowance,
29 
subsistence allowance, reimbursement of allowable communication expense, longevity
30 
pay, laundry allowance, and quarters allowance.
31 
Sec. 25. Hazard Allowance. - As provided under Section 5 of this Act, Public
32 
DRRM Workers, who are exposed to high risks or perils to life in the performance of
10


1 
their duties and responsibiiities, shaii be compensated with hazard aiiowance
2 
equivaient to not exceeding twenty-five (25%) of their daiiy basic saiary, and at ieast
3 
five percent (5%) for Pubiic DRRM Workers exposed in iow-risk activities when
4 
depioyed to or are working in affected areas; Provided, that Pubiic DRRM Workers
5 
under iow risk DRRM activities shaii be eiigibie to avaii an increase hazard aiiowance
6 
equivaient to that of high risk DRRM Workers in the event that they are caiied to
7 
perform or are depioyed for a iimited period to high-risk DRRM activities, subject to
8 
appropriate computation of days rendered. The determination of the compensation of
9 
Hazard Aiiowance shaii be based on the actuai working days of exposure of the Pubiic
10 
DRRM Worker to any given risks or periis to iife.
11 
Sec. 26. Transportation, Communication, and Subsistence Aiiowance. - Pubiic
12 
DRRM Workers who are required to render service in the fieid during emergencies and
13 
disasters in order to make their services avaiiabie at any and aii times, shaii be entitied
14 
to fuii subsistence aiiowance of three (3) meais which may be computed in accordance
15 
with prevaiiing circumstances; Provided, that, no subsistence aiiowance shaii be given
16 
in the event where the concerned agency has aiready prescribed meais for the Pubiic
17 
DRRM Worker.
18 
Pubiic DRRM workers required to report outside of their reguiar workstations
19 
other than responding to disasters or emergencies shaii be entitied to such
20 
transportation and travei expenses pursuant E.O No. 77. s. 2019 or other existing
21 
budgeting, accounting and auditing guideiines as weii as reimbursement of aiiowabie
22 
communication expenses.
23 
Sec. 27. Longevity Pay. - A monthiy iongevity pay equivaient to five percent
24 
(5%) of the monthiy basic pay shaii be paid to a Pubiic DRRM Worker for every five
25 
(5) years of continuous, efficient, and meritorious services rendered as certified by the
26 
chief of office concerned, commencing with the Pubiic DRRM Worker's service upon
27 
the effectivity of this Act.
28 
Those entitied to Longevity Pay can no ionger avaii of the Step Increment
29 
benefit due to iength of service.
30 
Sec. 28. Laundry Aiiowance. - Aii Pubiic DRRM Workers who are required to
31 
wear uniforms reguiariy shaii be entitied to iaundry aiiowance equivaient to One
32 
Hundred Fifty Pesos (Php 150) per month: Provided, that this rate shaii be reviewed
11


1 
periodically and increased accordingly by the NDRRMC in consultation with the
2 
appropriate government agencies concerned taking into account existing laws and
3 
prevailing practices.
4 
Sec. 29. Housing. - All Public DRRM Workers who are on tour of duty and those
5 
who, because of unavoidable circumstances are forced to stay in their offices, shall be
6 
entitled to free living quarters within the office, or if such quarters are not available,
7 
shall receive quarters allowance as may be determined by their respective agencies.
8 
A qualified Public DRRM Worker who has no residence within a fifty (50)
9 
kilometer radius from such government facility or deployment area shall be granted
10 
quarters allowance at the local room rental rate in the area until free living quarters
11 
are available.
12 
Sec. 30. Medical, Mental, and Psychosocial Examination. - Compulsory medical,
13 
mental, and psychosocial examination shall be provided free of charge to all Public
14 
DRRM Workers before entering the service in the Government or its subdivisions and
15 
shall be repeated once a year during the tenure of employment of all Public DRRM
16 
Workers and every after deployment of Public DRRM Workers for more than three (3)
17 
days to seven (7) days in high-risk areas, as may be determined by the agency where
18 
the Public DRRM Worker belongs: Provided, that where medical examination shows
19 
that medical treatment, mental, or psychosocial intervention, and/or hospitalization is
20 
necessary for those already in government service, the treatment and/or
21 
hospitalization including medicines shall be provided free either in a government or a
22 
private hospital by the government entity paying the salary of the Public DRRM
23 
Worker: Provided, further, that the cost of such medical examination and treatment
24 
shall be determined by the respective agency who the Public DRRM Worker is engaged
25 
with and such amount be subject to process of the agency.
26 
In cases of extreme exposure to a traumatic experience while rendering DRRM
27 
Work, the agency shall, aside from those that are provided for above, provide
28 
necessary support for the rehabilitation of the Public DRRM Worker. A post medical
29 
examination shall be provided for the Public DRRM Worker prior to leaving the service.
30 
Section 31. Persona! Protective Equipment, Vaccination, and other Prophylaxes.
31 
- Public DRRM Workers, as frontliners in disaster response, shall be provided with
32 
appropriate personal protective equipment, free vaccinations and other prophylactic
12


1 
medicines against common and present diseases in the locality where the Public DRRM
2 
Worker is assigned. The immediate family of Public DRRM Workers deployed in high
3 
risk areas who are exposed to any highly contagious disease/illness shall also be
4 
entitled to vaccinations or any available immediate medical intervention.
5 
Sec. 32. Compensation for Work-Related Injuries and Sicknesses. - Public
6 
DRRM Workers shall be protected against the consequences of employment injuries
7 
or sickness in accordance with existing laws. Injuries or sickness incurred in line of
8 
duty shall be presumed work-connected.
9 
Sec. 33. Leave Benefits for Public DRRM Workers. - Public DRRM Workers are
10 
entitled to such vacation and sick leaves as provided by existing laws and prevailing
11 
practices: Provided, that in addition to the leave privileges now enjoyed by Public
12 
DRRM Workers - men and women Public DRRM Workers are entitled to such paternity
13 
and maternity leaves, respectively, provided by existing laws and prevailing practices:
14 
Provided, further, that upon separation of the Public DRRM Workers from service, they
15 
shall be entitled to all accumulated leave credits with pay. Public DRRM Workers are
16 
also entitled to rehabilitation leave privilege for physical, mental, or emotional
17 
injuries/damage sustained in the performance of official duties subject to the
18 
provisions under relevant issuances of Civil Service Commission (CSC) - Department
19 
of Budget and Management (DBM).
20 
Sec. 34. Capacity Building, Schoiarship and Grants. - Public DRRM Workers
21 
shall undergo necessary training and other capacity building activities on a regular
22 
basis. They shall also be given opportunity to avail of scholarship benefits and grants
23 
for pursuing graduate and post-graduate studies in accordance with the existing rules
24 
to be implemented by the concerned agencies or LCDs. Grantees of the program may
25 
study within the Philippines or abroad provided that the concerned agency or LGU
26 
shall provide strict measures to ensure continuity and render service obligation. The
27 
concerned agency shall give utmost preference to post-graduate DRRM-related studies
28 
in granting such benefits.
29 
Sec. 35. Mandatory Insurance Coverage. - Public DRRM Workers shall be
30 
entitled to insurance coverage as provided by the Social Security System (SSS) as
31 
mandated under Republic Act No. 8282 otherwise known as the "Social Security Law",
32 
by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) as provided by Republic Act No.
13


1 
8291 also known as "The Government Service Insurance System Act of 1997" by the
2 
Universal Health Care Act as mandated by RA No. 11223, and by the Philippine Health
3 
Insurance (Philhealth) as mandated by Republic Act No. 7875 or the "National Health
4 
Insurance Act of 1995", whichever is applicable. Further, Public DRRM Workers holding
5 
permanent positions and are assigned on field work shall also be entitled to personal
6 
accident insurance amounting to P100,000.00; at a minimum, it must include coverage
7 
for accidental death or dismemberment, permanent disability and hospitalization cost
8 
reimbursement.
9 
Sec. 36. Right to Self-Organization. - Public DRRM Workers shall have the right
10 
to freely form, join or assist organizations or associations, to the extent allowable by
11 
law and/or existing policies, for purposes not contrary to law in order to defend and
12 
protect their mutual interests and to obtain redress of their grievances through
13 
peaceful concerted activities.
14 
Sec. 37. Freedom from Interference or Coercion. - It shall be unlawful for any
15 
person to commit any of the following acts of interference or coercion:
16 
a) to require as a condition of employment that a Public DRRM Worker shall
17 
not join a DRRM Workers' organization, association, or union or shall
18 
relinquish membership therein;
19 
b) to discriminate in regard to hiring or tenure of employment or any item or
20 
condition of employment in order to encourage or discourage membership
21 
in any DRRM Workers' organization, association, or union;
22 
c) to prevent a Public DRRM Worker from carrying out duties laid upon him/her
23 
by his/her position in the organization, association, or union, or to penalize
24 
him/her for the action undertaken in such capacity;
25 
d) to harass or interfere with the discharge of the functions of the Public DRRM
26 
Worker when these are calculated to intimidate or to prevent the
27 
performance of his/her duties and responsibilities; and
28 
e) to otherwise interfere in the establishment, functioning, or administration of
29 
DRRM Worker's organizations or unions through acts designed to place such
30 
organization or union under the control of government authority.
31 
Sec. 38. Consultation with Public DRRM Workers' Organizations. - In the
32 
formulation of national policies governing the social security of Public DRRM Workers,
14


1 
professional and Public DRRM Workers' organizations as well as other appropriate
2 
government agencies concerned shall be consulted by the NDRRMC. For this purpose,
3 
Management-DRRM Workers' Consultative Councils for national, regional and other
4 
appropriate levels shall be established and operationalized.
5 
Sec. 39. Human Resource Development/Management Study. - The Human
6 
Resource Department/Division of respective concerned agencies shall conduct a
7 
periodic human resource development/management study into, among others, the
8 
following areas:
9 
a) adequacy of facilities and supplies to render quality DRRM services to client
10 
population;
11 
b) opportunity for Public DRRM Workers to grow and develop their potentials
12 
and experience a sense of worth and dignity in their work;
13 
c) mechanisms for democratic consultation in government DRRM institutions;
14 
d) appropriate organizational and staffing patterns;
15 
e) ways and means of enabling the rank-and-file workers to avail of
16 
educational opportunities for personal growth and development;
17 
f) upgrading of working conditions, reclassification of positions and salaries of
18 
Public DRRM Workers to correct disparity vis-a-vis other professions such
19 
that positions requiring longer study be upgraded and given corresponding
20 
pay scale; and
21 
g) assessment of the national policy on exportation of skilled human resources
22 
to focus on how these resources could instead be utilized productively for
23 
the country's needs.
24 
Sec. 40. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The NDRRMC after
25 
consultation with appropriate agencies of the Government as well as professional and
26 
DRRM Workers' organizations or associations, shall formulate and prepare the
27 
necessary rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act. Moreover, the
28 
DBM, in coordination with the NDRRMC, shall issue the guidelines on the grant of
29 
compensation-related benefits to Public DRRM Workers. Rules and regulations issued
30 
pursuant to this Section shall take effect thirty (30) days after publication in a
31 
newspaper of general circulation.
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1 
Sec. 41. Prohibition Against Doubie Recovery of Benefits. - Whenever other
2 
laws provide for the same benefits covered by this Act, the Public DRRM Worker shall
3 
have the option to choose which benefits will be paid to him/her. However, in the
4 
event that the benefits chosen are less than that provided under this Act, the worker
5 
shall be paid only the difference.
6 
Sec. 
42. Prohibition Against Eiimination and/or Diminution of Benefits. -
7 
Nothing in this law shall be construed to eliminate or in any way diminish benefits
8 
being enjoyed by Public DRRM Workers at the time of the effectivity of this Act.
9 
Sec. 43. Appropriations. - The amount needed for the implementation of this
10 
Act shall be determined by the concerned agencies and be included in the General
11 
Appropriations Act of the year following its enactment under the budgetary
12 
appropriations of concerned agencies or chargeable against local funds of Local
13 
Government Units subject to Personal Service Limitations pursuant to Sec. 325 of RA
14 
7160 where applicable.
15 
However, such special benefits, including injury and burial benefits as well as
16 
hazard pay may be sourced from the Local DRRM Fund of the agencies or Local
17 
Government Units.
18 
Sec. 44. PenaiProvision. -Any person who shall willfully interfere with, restrain
19 
or coerce any Public DRRM Worker in the exercise of his/her rights or shall in any
20 
manner commit any act in violation of any of the provisions of this Act, upon
21 
conviction, shall be punished by a fine of not less than Ten thousand pesos
22 
(P10,000.00) or imprisonment of not more than one (1) year or both at the discretion
23 
of the court.
24 
If the offender is a public official, the court. In addition to the penalties provided
25 
in the preceding paragraph, may impose the additional penalty of disqualification from
26 
public office.
27 
Sec. 45. Separabiiity Cause. - If for any reason, any provision of this Act is
28 
declared unconstitutional or invalid, such parts not affected thereby shall remain in
29 
full force and effect.
30 
Sec. 46. Repeaiing Cause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and
31 
regulations and other issuances or parts thereof which are inconsistent with this Act
32 
are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.
16


1 
Sec. 47. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
2 
publication in the Official Gazette or in any two (2) newspapers of general circulations.
Approved,
17