Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Batasan Hills, Quezon City

‘TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No3790

Introduced by Abang Lingkod Party-list Representative
Manuel “Manman” O. Ko

EXPLANATORY NOTE

In the Philippines, government doctors are at the frontline of delivering
health care to millions of Filipinos, particularly those in rural, far-flung,
and underserved communities. These doctors serve in public hospitals,
provincial and district facilities, and rural health units (RHUs), often as
the only physician available to entire municipalities.

Yet, despite their crucial role, entry-level Medical Officer I positions
remain classified under Salary Grade 21, translating to a monthly salary
that does not fully reflect the weight of their responsibilities, the risks
they face, and the years of rigorous medical training they have
undergone. In many provinces, this salary is barely enough to cover
living expenses, much less to support a family or repay the substantial
costs of medical education.

‘The harsh reality is that many government doctors work in
under-equipped facilities—often without adequate diagnostic machines,
medicines, or specialist support. In geographically isolated and
disadvantaged areas (GIDAs), they must travel long distances over
difficult terrain to reach patients, sometimes wading through floods or
braving storms. During emergencies and outbreaks, they serve as both
first responders and crisis managers, bearing the burden of public health
leadership in addition to their clinical duties.

‘These challenges, combined with comparatively low compensation, have
fueled the continuing exodus of Filipino doctors abroad. In recent
decades, thousands have left the country to work in nations offering
better pay, safer working conditions, and more advanced facilities. Many
have even retrained as nurses to take advantage of overseas employment
opportunities. This brain drain has left many rural hospitals
understaffed and some municipalities without a single full-time
physician.

Upgrading the salary grade of government doctors from SG 21 to SG 23
is a necessary reform that will: provide fair and dignified compensation


commensurate with the expertise and service of government doctors;
Attract newly licensed physicians to join the public health sector,
especially in underserved areas; Retain experienced doctors who might
otherwise be compelled to leave for higher-paying opportunities abroad
and ;Strengthen the resilience of the public health system by ensuring
that medical professionals are adequately supported.

The Constitution mandates the State to protect and promote the right to
health of the people and to prioritize the needs of the underprivileged.
Fulfilling this mandate requires a strong, well-compensated, and
motivated corps of government doctors who can serve where they are
needed most—whether in the heart of Metro Manila’s public hospitals or
in the remotest barangays of Mindanao.

Investing in the welfare of government doctors is investing in the health
and future of the Filipino people.

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

Manuel “Majjman” 0. Ko


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Batasan Hills, Quezon City

‘TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No3 790

Introduced by Abang Lingkod Party-list Representative
Manuel “Manman” O. Ko

AN ACT INCREASING THE BASIC SALARY OF MEDICAL DOCTORS
EMPLOYED IN GOVERNMENT SERVICE FROM SALARY GRADE 21
TO SALARY GRADE 23.

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 “Government
Medical Doctors Salary Upgrading Act”

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of
the State to promote and protect the health of the people by ensuring the
availability of competent and dedicated medical professionals in
government service. To attract and retain highly qualified physicians, the
State shall provide competitive and equitable compensation that
recognizes the vital role of government doctors in delivering public health
care.

SECTION. 3. Coverage - This Act shall apply to alll licensed physicians
in the government service, whether under permanent, temporary, or
contractual status, and regardless of whether they are employed in
national government hospitals, provincial hospitals, district hospitals,
municipal health offices, or rural health units.

SECTION. 4. Minimum Salary of Government Medical Doctors - All
Medical Officer I positions and equivalent plantilla items for physicians
in national government agencies, government-owned or controlled
corporations (GOCCs) with original charters, and local government units,
which are currently classified under Salary Grade 21 are hereby
upgraded to Salary Grade 23.


SECTION. 5. No Diminution of Benefits. - Nothing in this Act shall
result in the reduction of any existing salaries, allowances, or benefits
being enjoyed by government doctors at the time of its effectivity.

SECTION. 6. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to implement
the provisions of this Act shall be funded by the National Government
under the Annual General Appropriations Act (GAA) for the year
following the approval of this Act.

SECTION. 7. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part hereof is
held invalid or unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity
and effectivity of the other provisions hereof.

SECTION. 8. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders and
issuances, or portions thereof, which are inconsistent with the
provisions of this Act, are hereby repealed, amended, or modified
accordingly.

SECTION. 9. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days
after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general
circulation.

Approved,