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THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
First Regular Session 
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OF THE PHILIPPINES 
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S E N A T E  
S. No. 1086 
Introduced by Senator Edgardo 1. Angara 
EXPLAN AT0 RY NOTE 
Social Work has been described as “the profession, which helps 
individuals, families, groups and communities to develop, improve, maintain or 
restore their capability for coping with demands of their environment, through 
the use of the Social work Methods of Intervention”. 
As a professional activity, social work was introdyced to our country 
during the 1920’s, it was conceived by charity organizations in Great Britain, 
especially England, and in the United States. 
Its full development as a 
profession, however, can be attributed to the Americans. 
The pioneers of social work in the Philippines, through scholarship grants, 
were educated in the school of Social Work in the United States. After having 
completed their training abroad, they introduced a new course at the University 
of the Philippines (U.P.) and the Centro Escolar University. Today, many colleges 
and universities offer Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees on social work. 
In June 1965 the Philippine Congress enacted Republic Act No. 4373, 
otherwise known as the ”Social Work Law,” thus publicly recognizing social work 
as a profession. 
The law prescribes that only social work degree holders and 
licensed social workers can practice social work. 
The bulk of clientele of the social workers are the marginalized population; 
the poor, exploited, deprived and underprivileged members of society with their 
myriad problems and dire circumstances. 
Especially in need of social workers‘ 
help are neglected, the abandoned, the abused and exploited street children; the 
drug dependent, alcoholics and the out-of-school youths; the squatters and 
homeless families; the unwed/single parents, the physically abused/battered and 
disadvantaged women; the elderly/senior citizens; the disabled and those with 
special needs. 
This proposed Magna Carta of Social Workers seeks to institutionalise 
social work as a distinct profession in recognition of the social worker’s 
contribution to nation building. 
This proposed measure seeks to promote and improve the social and 
economic well being of the social workers, their living and working conditions 
and terms of employment. It encourages them to develop their skills and 
capabilities in order that they will be more responsive and better equipped to 
deliver social services and programs. 
The proposed Act provides for, among other things, the social workers’ 
recruitment and qualifications; performance evaluation and merit promotion; 


security of tenure; safeguards in administrative proceedings; and code of 
conduct. 
It also provides for additional compensation, hazard allowances, 
subsistence allowance, longevity pay, and clothing allowance in order to improve 
the living conditions of the social worker. 
This proposed measure deletes the phrase "or holder of a college degree 
preferably in sociology and other related course from a recognized college or 
university, and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent", from 
paragraph (a) Section 483 of the Local Government Code to professionalize the 
Local Social Welfare and Development Officer Category in public service. 
The 
deletion eliminates ambiguity in the same provision as to how a non-licenses 
person acquires a five (5) or three (3) social work experience, as the case may 
be, if only those who have passed the licensure examination and has taken oath 
can practice social work as provided for by R.A. 4373. 
With the passage of this bill, the social workers' rights will be protected 
and they shall reap the benefits that are due them. 
For these reasons, the early passage of this act is earnestly sought. 
EDGARDO 3. ANGARA 


Introduced by Senator Edgardo J. Angara 
AN ACT 
PROVIDING FORIA MAGNA CARTA OF SOCIAL WORKERS 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines 
in Congress assembled: 
Section 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the ' Magna Carta of Social 
Workers". 
Sec. 2. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, the following terms 
shall be construed to mean as follows: 
a) Social Worker - refers to a person who is a graduate of Bachelor of 
Science in Social Work (SSSW) and successfully passed the licensure 
examination for social workers. 
b) Social Work - refers to the profession, which helps individuals, 
families, groups and communities to develop, improve, maintain or 
restore their capability to coping with the demands of their 
environment, through the use of the social work methods of 
intervention. 
c) Registered Social Worker - refers to a person who is a graduate of 
Bachelor of Science in Social, Work and has passed the Social Work 
Li censu re Exam i nation. 
d) Practitioner - refers to a graduate of BSSW, a Board passer, and who 
is actively practicing his/her profession as a social worker in the 
government or non-govern men t agency . 
e) CSC - refers to the Civil Service Commission 
9 DOLE - refers to the Department of Labor and Employment 
g) NLRC - refers to the National Labor Relations Commission 
h) PRC - refers to the Professional Regulations Commission 
i) DSWD - refers to the Department of Social Welfare and Development 
Sec. 3. Declaration of Policy. - The State shall promote and improve the 
social and economic well being of the social workers, their living and working 
conditions and terms of employment. The State shall likewise develop their skills 
and capabilities in order that they will be more responsive and better equipped to 


deliver social services and programs. And lastly, the State sliall encourage those 
with proper qualification and excellent abilities to remain in social development 
work both government and non-government services. 
Sec. 4. Coverage. - This Act shall cover all registered/practitioner Social 
Workers in the government and non-government. 
Sec. 5. Recruitment and 'Qualification - Selection and appointment of Social 
Workers shall be in accordance 
with the merit and fitness principle: Provided, 
That he/she be a Registered Social Worker: Provided further, That the CSC or the 
PRC, as the case may be, develop and administer specialized examination for 
purposes of providing appropriate eligibilities to positions. 
Sec. 6. Performance Evaluation and Merit Promotion. - The Management - 
Social Workers Consultative Council shall prepare a uniform career and personnel 
development plan applicable to all Social Workers, Such, career and personnel 
development shall include provisions on merit promotion, performance evaluation, 
in-service training grants, job rotation and incentive awards system. 
Sec. 7. Composition. - The composition of the ManagemellbSocial Workers 
Consultative Council shall be determined by the DSWD from the list submitted 
by the Philippine Association of Social Workers, Inc. 
Sec. 8. Transfer or Geographical Reassignment of Social Workers. - No 
transfer or geographical reassignment shall be made or effected without written 
notice to the Social Worker concerned stating therein the reason for such: 
Provided, that said written notice shall be made tllirty (30) days prior the date of 
transfer 
or reassignment: Provide hrther, that pending appeal such transfer or 
assignment shall be held in abeyance: Provided furthermore, That no transfer and/or 
reassignment whatsoever shall be made three (3) months prior to any local or 
national elections: Provided finally, That the necessary expenses of the transfer 
and/or reassignment of the Social Worker and hidher immediate &nily shall be 
paid for by the government. 
Sec. 9. Security of tenure. - No Social Worker holding a permanent position 
shall be terminated except for cause: Provided, in the eveiit the Social Worker is 
found to be unjustly dismissed by the C ' T  or the NLRC, as the case may be, he 
shall be entitled to reiiistatement w i t h  loss of seniority rights and backwages 
with twenty (20%) per centurn interesi 
YO ba: coniputed from the time hidher 
compensation was withheld from Wher ul 
ti3 tiic time of reinstatement. However, 
if the' Social Worker does not desire to ije reimtated, he/she shall be entitled to 
backwages and separation pay with twenly 
centum (20%) interest. 
Sec 10. Discriinination Prohibitcd . A 
Social 
Worker 
shall 
not 
be 
discriminated by reason of creed, sex, p !itical beliefs, civil status and ethnic 
gdupings in the exercise of his/her prokssi ii. 
Sec 11. No Understating / Over-loi.4 :$ of Social Workers. - There shall be 
no understanding or overloading of Soc,ia Wor1iei.s. The ratio of staff to clientele 
shall be such as to reasonably effect a :IJ .;ained deliveiy of quality social service 
at all times without overworking the sc id workers and overextending his/her 
services. Only professional and Registered bcid Workers sliall occupy the Social 
Work positions in all Social Work 
c^ scilcics. All Social Work agencies and 
institutions, whether government and 
n In-government, shall be headed 
by 
a 
professional Registered Social Worker, c 
in the case of NGOs, can have the 
option to hire non-registered Social W d  XS. 
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See. 12. Safeguards in Administrative Proceedings. - In every administrative 
proceeding, a Social Worker shall have the: 
a) right to be informed of the charges; 
b) right. to fiill access on evidences against him; 
c) right to defeAd himselt‘/herself or to be defended by a counsel of 
his/her choice; 
d) right to be given adequate time to prepare hidher case, which 
shall in no case exceed twenty(20) days. 
e) right to appeal to designated authorities; 
f) 
right to cross examine witnesses and to processes for production 
of witnesses; 
g) right to reimbursement for reasonable expenses incurred in his / 
her defense in case of exoneration or dismissal--of the charges; 
and 
h) such other rights as to ensure fairness and impartiality in the 
proceedings. 
Sec. 13. Code of Conduct. -All Social Workers must be guided by its code 
of ethics not contrary to law, morals, safety, health, public policy and public order. 
Sec. 14. Normal Hours of work. -The normal hours of work of any Social 
Worker shall not exceed eight (8) hours a day or forty (40) hours a ceek. 
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Hours of work shall include: a) the time the Social Worker is required to 
be active duty or to be at a prescribed workplace; b) the time which the Social 
Worker is permitted to work; c) the time which a Social Worker is required in a 
place other than prescribed workplace. 
Sec. 15. Overtime Work. - Where -the exigencies of the service so require, 
any social worker, whether in the goveriiment or non-government service, may be 
required to render service beyond the normal eight (8) hours a day, inclusive of 
Saturdays, Sundays, or non-working holidays. In such case, the Social Worker shall 
be paid an additional compensation in accordance with 
existing laws on the 
matter. 
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Sec. 16. - On-Call Pay. - In cases of “non-call” status, the Social Worker 
shall be entitled to an “on-call” equivalent to fifty per centum (50%) of hidher 
regular wage. “On-call” status refers to a condition when Social Workers are called 
upon to respond to urgent or immediate need or relief work during- emergencies 
such that the Social Worker cannot utilize the time for personal needs; Provided, 
That no Social Worker shall be placed “on-call” status beyond seven (7). Social 
Workers can also teach or practice their profession after office hours. 
Sec. 17. Married Social Worker. - Whenever possible, the proper authorities 
shall take steps to enable married couple/couples, both of whom are public 
workers, to be employed or assigned in the same municipality, but not in the same 
ofice. 


Sec. 18. Additional Compensation. - After efTectivity of this Act, the salaries 
of the Social Workers sliall be upgraded to one salary grade higher to hisher 
present salaiy grade. 
Sec. 19. Hazard Allowance. - Social Worlcers assigned in difficult areas, 
strife-torn or embattled areas, distressed or isolated stations, mental hospitals, 
leprosarium, areas declared unqer a state of calamity or emergency which exposes 
them to great danger, volcanic activity / eruption, occupational risks or perils of life 
shall be compensated hazard allowance equivalent to at least twenty per centum 
(20%) of the monthly salary. Anniversary bonus should be given to GO’S and 
NGO’s social workers. 
Sec. 20. Subsistence Allowance, - Social Workers who are required to render 
services in communities, institutions, hospitals and other social welfare establishment 
in order to make their services available at all times, should be entitled to fill 
subsistence allowance of three (3) meals which shall be computed in accordance 
with prevailing circumstances. 
Sec. 21. Longevity Pay. - A monthly longevity pay equivalent to five per 
centum (5%) of the monthly basic pay shall be paid to a social worker for every 
five (5) years of continuous, efficient and meritorious services rendered. 
Sec. 22. Clothing Allowance. - All Social Workers shall be entitled to a 
clothing allowance of two hundred pesos (P200.00) per month. 
Sec. 23. Housing. - All Social Workers who are in tour of duty and those 
who, because of unavoidable circumstances are forced to stay in the institution, 
community, etc. shall be entitled to free living quarters; Provided, That if such 
living quarters are not available, the social worker shall receive housing allowance; 
Provided, That the rate of which shall be reviewed periodically in view of an 
increase. 
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Sec. 24. Compensation for Injuries. - Social Workers shall be protected 
against work-related injuries in accordance with the Labor Code or the Social 
Service Law, as the case inay be. 
Sec 25. Right to Self-Organization. - Social Workers shall have the right to 
freely join or assist organizations or unions for purposes not contrary to law, in 
order to defend and protect their mutual interest and to obtain redress of 
grievances through peacehl concerted activities; Provided, That in no circumstances 
shall government Social Workers be allowed to join, declare or stage any strike or 
cessation of services. 
Sec. 26. Freedom for InterFerence or Coercion. - It shall be unlawhl for 
any person to commit any of the following acts of interference or coercion: 
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a) to acquire as a condition of einployment that the Social Worker shall 
not join a Social Workers’ organization or union; 
b) to discriminate in order to encourage or discourage membership in any 
Social Workers’ organizations or union; 
c) to prevent a social 
worker fTom carrying out hidher duties and 
fbnction in the Social Workers’ organization or union or to penalize the 
Social Worker for any lawfil action performed in that capacity; 


d) to make calculated harassment and interference with the intention of 
intimidating or preventing the Social Worker fiom perforniing his duties 
and functions: 
e) To perform acts calculated to diminish tlie independence and freedom 
of the union or organization to direct its own affairs. 
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Sec. 27. Consultation. - The DSWD shall consult professional and Social 
Workers’ organizations or unions in formulating policies to govern the social 
security of the Social Worker. 
Sec. 28. Huinan Resource Development, - The government and non- 
government agencies shall conduct human resource development and management 
study in the following areas. 
a) Adequate facilities and resources to render quality social service to the 
clientele; 
b} Opportunity for Social Workers to grow and develop their potentials 
and experience a sense of worth and dignity in their work; 
c) Mechanism for democratic consultations; 
d) Staffing patterns and standards of social welfare to ensure the people 
receive quality care; 
e) Ways and means of enabling rank and file workers viable educational 
opportunities for personal growth and development; 
f )  Upgrading 
of working 
conditions, reclassification 
of 
salaries of Social Workers to correct the disparity 
professions; 
g) Funds be allocated for Social Workers to attend seminars, conferences, 
conventions and other as part of continuing professional education. 
Sec. 29. Rules and Regulations. - The Management and Social Work 
Organization or Union Consultative Council shall foriiiulate and prepare necessary 
rules and regulations in implementing the provisions of this Act, in coordiiiation 
with the DOLE, CSC, NLRC, and DSWD. 
Sec. 30. Penal Provisions. Any person who shall willhlly interfere with, 
restrain or coerce any Social Worker in the exercise of hisher rights or shall in 
any manner commit any act in violation of any of the provisions of this Act, 
up6n conviction shall punished by a fine of not less than Twenty Thousand Pesos 
( P20,OOO.OO) 
but 
not 
more 
than 
Forty 
Thousand 
pesos (P40,OOO.OO) or 
imprisonment of not more than one (I} year or both at tlie discretion of the court. 
If the offender is a public official, the court in addition to the penalties 
provided in the preceding paragraph, may impose tlie additional penalty of 
disqualification fi-om oace. 
Sec. 31. Separability Clause. - If any portion of this Act is declared 
unconstitutional or illvalid, the remainder thereof not affected thereby shaI1 continue 
to be in full force and effect. 
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Sec . 32. Repealing Clause. - all laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations or 
other issuances illconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, 
amended or modified accordingly. 
Sec. 33. Effectivity. - This Act take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in a newspaper of general circulation. 
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Approved,