Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session
House Bill No.  8 4 8 2
Introduced by Rep. ANGELO MARCOS BARBA
2nd District, Ilocos Norte
EXPIANAITORY NOTE
This   proposed   measure   seeks   to   establish   a   Magna   Carta   for   all
non-uniformed  personnel  in  the  government.  These  agencies  include  the Armed
Forces of the Philippines  (AFP),  Philippine National  Police  (PNP),  Bureau of Jail
Management and Penology (BJMP), Department of National Defense (DND), Bureau
of Fire  Protection  (BFP),  Bureau  of CoITections  (Bucor),  Philippine  Coast  Guard
(PCG), Philippine Ding Enforcement Ageney (PDEA), and the National Mapping and
Resource  Information  Authority (NAMRIA).  To  this  end,  this  legislation  aims  to
champion the  rights  of non-uniformed personnel,  to  promote  and improve  their
social  and  economic  well-being,  and  to  ensure  that  their  rights  are  protected,
particularly in the workplace.
From concretely defining their employment status, asserting their right of
the  security  of tenure,  among  advocating  for  improvement  in  their  salaries  and
promotion  in  their place of work,  to reestablishing  other appropriate benefits  as
deemed  needed,  this  measure  overall  aims  to  be  a  tangible  proposal  to  directly
address the needs and defend the rights of non-uniformed personnel as partners and
co-public servants of those in uniformed service.
In  light  of the  foregoing,  the  immediate  passage  of this  bill  is  earnestly
sought.
ANGEL


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
HouseBi||No.8482
2
Introduced by Rep. ANGE140 MARCOS BARBA
2nd District, Ilocos Norte
AVAor
INSTITUTING THE MAGNA CARTA FOR ALL
NON-UNIFORMED WORKERS IN THE MILITARY AND OTHER
UNIFORMED AGENCIES
Be  it  enacted by  the  Senate  cmd the  House  Of Raprese:n:Iatives  Of the
Philippines in Congress assembled:
CIIAFTER I
GENERAL PROVISIONS
SEcrloN 1. Short TttJe. - This Act shall be known as the "Magma Carta
for Non-Uniformed Personnel. "
SEcrloN 2. DecJaraffon a/Poll.ey. -It is hereby declared the policy of
the State to promote and improve the social and economic well-being of all
non-uniformed personnel in the military and other uniformed agencies of the
government.  Towards this end, the State shall ensure that their rights are
protected in a working environment that is conducive to work with efficiency
and effectiveness.
SECI'ION  3.  Cot;erage.  -  This  Act  shall  apply to  all  non-uniformed
personnel in the military and uniformed agencies. As used in this Act, the
term  "non-uniformed  personnel"  shall  mean  all  civilian  employees  in  the
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and all other uniformed agencies of
the government, including the Philippine National Police (PNP),  Bureau of
Jail  Management  and  Penology  (BJMP),  Department  of National  Defense
(DND),  Bureau  of Fire  Protection  (BFP),  Bureau  of Corrections  (BUcor),
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA),
and the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA).
SECI'ION 4. Defini.n.on a/Ter7us. -As used in this Act:
a.   Non-unz/o7rmed  pe7.so7i7ie7  refers  to  all  civilian  employees  in  the
military and other uniformed agencies of the government, including
the AFP, PNP, BJMP, DND, BFP, BUcor, PDRA, and NAMRIA;


3
b.   UJilJomied agenct.es  refers to government agencies and institutions
responsible in ensuring peace, order, and security, and protecting the
people from crimes, disasters, and other potential dangers and threats,
including  law  enforcement,  firefighting,  civil  defense,  correctional
services, medical and emergency services, as well as other government
agencies with uniformed personnel;
c.   Workyzc[ce  refers  to  the  office,  premises  or  worksite,  where  the
workers are habitually employed and shall include the office or place
where the workers, who have no fixed or definite work site, regularly
report for assignment in the course of their employment;
d.   Geographt.caJ reassi.g7imenf, hereinafter referred to as "reassignment,"
refers to a movement from one geographical location to another which
does not involve a reduction in rank, status, or salary;
e.   Trams/er refers to the movement from one position to another which is
of equivalent rank, level, or salary without break in service, involving
the issuance of an appointment.
C-Rll
RECRUITMENT, HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT,
AND POLICIES
SEcrl0N 5. Recrul.menf and QitaJIJican.on. - The recruitment policy
and minimum requirements with respect to the selection and appointment of
a  non-uniformed  personnel  shall  be  developed  and  implemented  by  the
appropriate government agencies concerned in accordance with policies and
standards  of the  Civil  Service  Commission  (CSC);  Proui.did,  That  in  the
absence of eligible applicant and it becomes necessary in the public interest to
fill a vacancy, a temporary appointment shall be issued to the person who
meets all the requirements for the position to which one is being appointed,
except the appropriate civil service eligibility; I+ot;I.did, rfu7.ther, That such
temporary appointment  shall  not  exceed twelve  (12)  months but that the
appointee may be replaced sooner if (a) qualified civil service eligible becomes
available; or 0)) the appointee is found wanting in performance or conduct
befitting a government employee
SEorloN  6. Dun.es and Obzi.gafrons.  - All  non-uniformed personnel
shall:
a.   discharge one's duty humanely with conscience and dignity;
b.  perform  one's  duty  with  utmost  respect  for  life  and  race,  gender,
religion, nationality, or social standing, or capacity to pay.
SECI'ION 7. Screem.ng and SeJecn.on/or Appal.nmenf. -Applicants for
the non-uniformed personnel positions shall undergo a screening process to be
conducted  by  a  duly  constituted  Human  Resource  Merit  Promotion  and
Selection Board (HRMPSB) based on qualification standards set forth by the
respective  agencies  in  accordance  with  CSC  I.aw,  rules  and  regulations;


4
Prout.did, /itrthermore, That the HRMPSB shall assist the appointing authority
in the judicious and objective selection of candidates for appointment in the
agency in accordance with the approved Agency Merit Selection Plan (MSP);
Prou].ded, Jinafty, That the appointing authority shall be guided by the report
of HRMPSB's assessment from among top five (5) candidates or less, deemed
most  qualified  for  appointment  to  the  vacant  position,  depending  on  the
number of candidates.
SEcrl0N 8. Code a/Condrcf. - Within six (6) months from the approval
of this Act, the military and other uniformed agencies, upon consultation with
other  appropriate   agencies   and   non-uniformed  personnel   organizations,
whether  registered  or  accredited,  shall  formulate  and  prepare  a  Code  of
Conduct for Non-Uniformed Personnel, which shall be disseminated as widely
as possible.
SHCTroIN   9.   Human   Resource   Developmerit  fior   Non-Uriiformed
Personnel.  -  There  shall  be  established  a  Human  Resource  Development
Program  for  Non-Uniformed  Personnel  in  the  military  and  all  uniformed
agencies of the government. The Human Resource Development Program shall
be managed by its respective Non-Uniformed Personnel Affairs Office manned
by  Non-Uniformed  Personnel  and  to  be  established  under  its  respective
Administrative, Personnel or Human Resource Management Services, Human
Resource Development Program for non-uniformed personnel including the
provisions on merit promotion,  performance evaluation,  in service training
grants, incentive and award system, job rotation, cross-posting overseas and
local  scholarships,  training grants,  incentive  award system,  and  such  other
similar  services  and  human  resource  development  interventions,  including
programs on the job training, counseling, coaching, job rotation, secondment,
job swapping, etc. shall be developed by the concerned agencies in consultation
with and with the concurrence of the accredited employees' organizations. The
program shall conform to the rules and regulations of the CSC.
SEcrloN io. RafronaJired Promofron System. - There shall be a system
of promotion for non-uniformed personnel which shall be based on merit and
fitness on the available vacant positions in the agency's staffing pattern. Such
system  shall  be  gender  fair  and  shall  ensure  that  women  non-uniformed
personnel shall enjoy equal opportunity for promotions as that of men.
The performance evaluation plan shall consider foremost the improvement
of individual employee efficiency and organizational effectiveness: Prouided,
That  each  employee  shall  be  informed  regularly  by  the  supervisor  of the
performance evaluation.
The merit promotion plan shall be in consonance with the rules of the CSC.
SHCTI!OIN  11. Sustaining the Professionalination Of the Non-Uhiiformed
Personnel. - To sustain the professionalization of non-uniformed personnel,
training  shall  be  done  intensively  and  extensively.  The  cost  of Continuing
Professional Development (CPD), as required by the Professional Regulation
Commission (PRC), shall be shouldered by the concerned uniform agencies.


5
SECTION 12. Leca7 Traz.in.rig Programs.  - The local training programs
aimed at enhancing the professional growih of non-uniformed personnel shall
be   established  and   maintained.   Such  local   training   programs   shall  be
undertaken in coordination with other governmental and non-governmental
agencies,   and   shall   provide   managerial,   technical,   administrative,   and
operational  courses,  such  as  logistics  and  fiscal  management,  including
training on professional services and legal procedures.
SHCTI:OIN     L3.     Transfer     or     Geographical     Reassigrmenl     Of
Nan-U"Jomed   Persomel.   -   Non-uniformed   Personnel   shall   not   be
transferred or reassigned,  except when made in the  interest of exigeney of
public service, in which case, the employee concerned shall be informed of the
reasons therefore in whting. The non-uniformed personnel can appeal to the
CSC the transfer or reassignment; Prouz.ded, That no transfer or reassignment
whatsoever  shall  be  made  three  (3)  months  before  any  local  or  national
elections.
The criteria for transfer or geographical reassignment shall be defined in
the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of this Act.
SECITON 14. Sofa Ptzrenfs. - The proper authorities, in accordance with
Republic Act No. 8972 (R.A. No. 8972), otherwise known as the "Solo Parents
Welfare Act of 2ooo", shall take steps to enable or allow solo parents to be
employed or assigned in the same locality of ones' residence.
SELCITON  15. Prohibition agalust Discrimination.  - A non-unisor\:ned
personnel,  in  the  exercise  of employment,  shall  not be  discriminated with
regard to age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability,
civil status, religious or political beliefs, and ethnic groupings.
SECITOIN  16.  Prohibition  agal:nst  Understaffi:ng  and  Overloading  Of
Nan-Un!Jormed Person7iez. - In accordance with the CSC and the Department
of Budget and Management (DBM) Joint Circular on Policies and Guidelines
on  Overtime  Services  and  Overtime  Pay for  Government  Employees,  there
shall be neither understaffing nor overloading of non-uniformed personnel.
The  ratio  of  non-uniformed  personnel  to  workload  shall  be  such  as  to
reasonably effect a sustained delivery of public services at all times without
overworking the  non-uniformed personnel  and overextending the duty and
service.
In excess of minimum working hours, the non-uniformed personnel shall
be entitled to payment of overtime pay, night differential, holiday, or rest pay
day.
In line  with the  above  policy,  substitute  officers  or  employees  shall  be
provided in place of officers or employees who are on leave for over three (3)
months.
SEcrloN 17. Normal Hours o/ Work. - The normal hours of work of any
non-uniformed personnel shall not exceed eight (8) hours a day or forty (4o)
hours a week.


6
?FFITOIN   L8._  Saifegucnds  in  Disciplinary   Procedures.   -  In  every
disciplinary proceeding, non-uniformed personnel shall have the right to:
a.   Be informed, in writing, of the charges filed against his/her person;
b.   Be granted full access to the evidence in the case;
c.   Defend  oneself and  to  be  defended by  a  representative  of one's  or
organization's choice, adequate time being given to the non-uniformed
personnel for the preparation of the defense;
d.  Confront   witnesses   presented   against   the   person   and   summon
witnesses in one's behalf;
e.   Appeal to designated authorities; and
f.   Such  other  rights  that  will  ensure  fairness  and  impartiality  during
proceedings.
C-R111
RIGIIT T0 SELF-ORGANIZATION
SECI'ION  19.  Freedom o/Assocrdn.on.  -All non-uniformed personnel
shall have the right to freely, and without prior authorization, to establish and
to join organizations of their choice, whether local or national, to further defend
their interests.
SEcrloN  2o.  Freedom flom Jnfer/erence or Coercl.on.  -  It shall be
unlawful for any person to commit any of the following acts of interference or
coercion:
a.   To  require  as  a  condition  of  employment  that  a  non-uniformed
personnel  shall  not join  a  workers'  organization  or  union  or  shall
relinquish membership therein;
b.  To discriminate in regard to hiring or tenure of employment or any item
or  condition  of  employment  in  order  to  encourage  or  discourage
membership in any workers' organization or union;
c.   To  prevent  a  non-uniformed  personnel  from  carrying  out  its  given
duties to the organization or union,  or to penalize the same for the
action taken in such capacity;
d.  To  harness  or  interfere  with  the  discharge  of the  functions  of the
non-uniformed personnel when these are calculated to intimidate or to
prevent the performance of one's duties and responsibilities; and
e.   To    otherwise    interfere    in    the    establishment,    functioning,    or
administration of a non-uniformed personnel organizations or unions


7
through acts designed to place such organization or union under the
control of government authority.
In no case shall existing laws, niles, and regulations requiring employees'
organizations to  register,  petition for accreditation,  or to  register collective
negotiation agreements be interpreted as interference or coercion.
SHC"OIN    21.    Consultation   u}ith   the   Non-Uhiiformed   Persormel
Organizan.ous.  -  The  organizations  or unions  of non-uniformed personnel
shall be consulted in the formulation of national, regional, and local policies
that impact their working conditions  and social  security.  For this purpose,
social dialogue mechanisms at the national, regional, and other appropriate
levels shall be institutionalized.  The non-uniformed personnel organizations
shall be represented in all relevant labor management committees.
C-RIV
EMPLOYMENT STATUS, SAIARIES, AND ALLOWANCES
SECI'ION 22. Sfafus o/Won-UniJormed Personnez. - AIl non-uniformed
personnel shall be considered employees of the national government and shall
draw their salaries therefrom : Prot„.dad, That non-uniformed personnel in may
be  provided  with   monetary  and  non-monetary  incentives  by  the   LGU
concerned where one is assigned, subject to the availability of funds.
SEcrl0N 23. SaJany Scale. - Salary scales of non-uniformed personnel
shall be the same as the salary scale of uniformed personnel. The salaries of all
non-uniformed personnel shall be based on the following:
a.   Salary shall be comparably equal to those paid in other occupations or
professions requiring equivalent or similar qualifications, training, and
abilities regardless of rank positions;
b.   Salary scale shall ensure that the lowest rank and position receive an
amount which will ensure them and their family to afford a reasonable
and decent standard of living; and basic monthly salary shall exclude the
subsistence  allowance,   cost  of  living  allowance,  two   (2)   quarters
allowance, clothing allowance, hazard pay, amelioration pay, health care
pay, and all other allowances as may be provided under existing laws.
SECI'I0N  24.  Pagrmenf  o/ SaJany.  -  The  salaries  of non-uniformed
personnel shall be paid in legal tender of the Philippines or the equivalent in
checks or treasury warrants; Proui.did, hottJeuer, That such checks or treasury
warrants  shall  be  convertible  to  cash  in  any  national,  provincial,  city,  or
municipal treasurer's office or any banking institution operating under the
laws of the Republic of the Philippines.
Salaries shall be released on time and without undue delay. No deduction
whatsoever  shall  be  allowed  from  the  salaries  due  to  all  non-uniformed
personnel except under specific provision of applicable laws authorizing such
deductions; Prou].did, That written authority of the non-uniformed personnel
concerned shall first be obtained.


8
SECI`I0N 25. OtJerh.me Work. - In where the exigencies of the service so
require,  any  non-uniformed  personnel  may be  required  to  render  service
beyond the normal eight (8) hours a day. In such case, the workers shall be
paid an additional compensation in accordance with the existing budgeting,
accounting, and auditing niles and regulations of the government.
Smc"OIN 26. Work during Rest Day. -
a.   Wherein a non-uniformed personnel is made to work on a scheduled
rest day, one shall be paid an additional compensation in accordance
with existing laws; and
b.  Wherein a non-uniformed personnel is made to work on any special
holiday, one shall be paid an additional compensation in accordance
with existing laws. Further, even when such holiday work falls on the
worker's  scheduled  rest  day,  one  shall  be  entitled to  an  additional
compensation as may be provided by existing laws.
SHOuOIN 2r7. Nighi Shif i Differenhal. -
a.   Every non-uniformed personnel shall be paid night shift differential in
accordance with the DBM Budget Circular;
b.   Every non-uniformed personnel required to work on the period covered
after ones'  regular schedule  shall be entitled to an overtime pay in
accordance with the existing budgeting, accounting, and auditing mles
and regulations of the government.
SECTION 28. Hazard c[lfotuance. - All non-uniformed personnel shall be
compensated  hazard  allowances  equivalent  to  at  least  twenty-five  percent
(25%) of the monthly basic salary of workers receiving Salary Grade 19 and
below, and five percent (5%) for workers with Salary Grade 2o and above.
SECI'I0N 29. Subsistence azJotuance. - Non-uniformed personnel shall
be  entitled to  full  subsistence  allowance  of three  (3)  meals  which  may be
computed  in  accordance  with  the  existing  rules  and  regulations  of  the
government.
SEcrl0N 3o. Lengeui.fry Pay. - A monthly longevity pay comparable to
the longevity pay of uniformed personnel shall be paid to all non-uniformed
personnel  for  every five  (5)  years  of continuous,  efficient,  and  meritorious
services rendered as certified by the chief of office concerned, commencing with
the original attested appointment of each non-uniformed personnel.
SECTION 31. Lettndny AZJotuance. - AIl non-uniformed personnel who
are required to wear uniforms regularly shall be entitled to laundry allowance
equivalent to One thousand pesos (Php 1,ooo.oo) per month: P].otj].did, That
this   rate   shall   be   reviewed   periodically   and   increased   accordingly   in
consultation  with  appropriate  agencies  and  the  non-uniformed  personnel
taking into account existing laws and prevailing practices.


9
SECTION 32. Housing. -AJl non-uniformed personnel who are on tour of
duty and those who, because of unavoidable circumstances are forced to stay in
their  workplace,   shall  be   entitled  for  free  living  quarters  within  their
workplaces,  or  if  such  quarters  are  not  available,  shall  receive  quarters
allowance: Prot%.did, That this rate shall be reviewed periodically and increased
accordingly in  consultation  with  appropriate  government  agencies  and  the
non-uniformed personnel organizations concerned.
CIIAFTERV
HEALTH MEASURES AND PROGRAMS
SECI'ION 33. MedieaJ Examinafron. - Compulsory pre-employment and
annual   medical   examinations   shall   be   provided   free   of  charge   to   all
non-uniformed personnel during the tenure of employment: Prouided, That
where medical examination shows that medical treatment or hospitalization, or
both   is   necessary  for  those   already  in   government   services,   including
medicines, shall be provided free either in a government or a private hospital by
the government entity who pays the salary of the non-uniformed personnel:
Provided, /itrther, That the cost of such medical examination and treatment
shall  be  included  as  automatic  appropriation  in  the  said  agency's  annual
budget.
SECI'ION 34. Phgrsl.caJ and Menfaz Fi.t7Iess Progra7'ns. - AIl public safety
agencies shall formulate policies and guidelines on physical fitness and sports
development programs.
SECI'ION   35.   Hoapz.faJiran.o7i   Experzses.   -   If  any   non-uniformed
personnel suffers any injury or becomes ill in the performance of one's official
duties, the hospitalization expenses of such personnel shall be compensated by
the office concerned.
SECIION 36.  Compeusafron /or Jnjuri.es. - Non-uniformed personnel
shall  be  protected  against  the  consequences  of  employment  injuries  in
accordance with existing laws.
C-RVI
IJEAV'ES AND OTHER BENEFITS
SECTION 37. Vacan.on Lec[tJe. - All non-uniformed personnel is entitled
to a vacation leave as mandated in the CSC Omnibus Rules on Leave.
SECI`I0N 38. SI.ck LeatJe. - All non-uniformed personnel is entitled for a
sick leave as mandated in the CSC Omnibus Rules on Leave.
SECI'ION  39.  Manddforty  Leaue.  -  A  Non-Uniformed  Personnel  is
entitled to a mandatory leave with full pay for five (5) working days chargeable
to one's leave credits in accordance to the CSC I.aw, rules, and regulations.
SECI`ION 4o. Mate7".fry LeatJe.  - AIl qualified female Non-Uniformed
personnel  are  entitled to  matemity leave benefits  as  mandated in the  CSC
Omnibus Rules on Leave.


10
SECITON  41.  Pateml.fry Leaue.  - All qualified male personnel shall be
entitled to paternity leave in accordance to CSC I.aw, rules, and regulations.
SECTION 42. Study LecltJe. - In addition to the leave privileges enjoyed
under this  Act  and  other  existing  laws,  non-uniformed  personnel  shall  be
entitled  to  study  leaves  not  exceeding  six  (6)  months  with  pay,  subject
regardless of the field of study chosen by the employee.
SECTIOIN 4?. Scholarship mvileges for Dapendents. - Ftep"bhic Act INo.
1og31, otherwise known as the "Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education
Act"   provides   the   surviving   children   of  the   deceased   or   permanently
incapacitated non-uniformed personnel shall be given priority in the availment
of scholarships  up  to  college  in  a  non-exclusive  institution,  subject to  the
policies on the tuition of said institution.
Subsidies shall also be provided to scholars for their books, transportation,
stipend, and lodging.
C-ERVII
RETIREMENT
SEcrloN   44.   Eddy  Retr.remenf  Program.   -  Any  non-uniformed
personnel who has reached the age of sixty (6o) years may avail of this program
and  shall  be  paid  separation  benefits  in  accordance  with  applicable  laws;
Prouided, That the person has rendered at least fifteen (15) years of continued
service in the ageney; Provided, Jitrfher, That those who have availed of this
benefit shall not be allowed re-entry into the said agency; Pt.out.dad, Ji7iaJdy,
That the employee who  opt to  retire under this program  may be  hired  as
consultant in accordance with the provisions of existing laws.
SECI'ION 45. Compuisony Reft.remen£. - Compulsory retirement shall be
upon the attainment of age of sixty (65) years.
SHCITOIN   46.  Highest  Basic  Salary  Upon  Retirement.  -  A  retired
non-uniformed personnel shall automatically be granted one (1) salary grade
higher than the basic salary and the retirement benefit thereafter, computed on
the basis of one's highest salary, which shall be given in effect three (3) months
prior to the compulsory retirement; Prouz.did, That the personnel has reached
the age and fulfilled service requirements under existing laws.
SECI'ION  47.  Graful.fry  Pa#.  -  All  non-uniformed personnel  shall  be
entitled to gratuity pay, which shall be computed using the Non-Uniformed
Personnel's last drawn salary, the basic salary plus the Personnel Economic
Relief  Allowance  (PERA),  multiplied  by  the  number  of  years  of  service
rendered.


11
C-RVIII
GRIEVANCES AND DISPUTE SETTLEMENT
SECI'ION  48.   CompJai.nfs  and  Gn.euances.  -  Every  non-uniformed
personnel  shall  have the right to present complaints and grievances to the
superior officers for the immediate redress thereof.
The exercise of this right shall not be used as a ground for discrimination
nor a bar for the exercise of other privileges, rights, and benefits afforded by
law.
SEcrl0N 49. Dispttfe Seffzeme7tf. - Each agency shall put in place their
own  dispute  settlement systems  and procedures,  the  composition  of which
should ensure the representation of the accredited employees' organization.
C-RIX
FINAL PROVISIONS
SEcrl0N 5o. Jmpzemenn.ng RttJes a7id Regndan.ons. -Within ninety (9o)
days from the enactment of this Act, in consultation with the CSC and DBM, the
military   and   all   other   uniformed   agencies   shall  jointly   formulate   the
implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of this Act. The said IRR shall be
liberally construed in favor of the non-uniformed personnel so as to give the
same the greatest degree of benefits that can be derived from this Act.
SEcrl0N 51. Approprrdn.ons. - The amount necessary to carry out the
provisions of this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations
Act of the uniformed agencies.
SECI'ION 52. Penal ProtJisl.on. - Any person shall willfully interfere with,
restrain, or coerce any non-uniformed personnel in the exercise of one's rights
or shall in any manner act in violation of any of the provisions of this Act, upon
conviction, shall be punished by a fine of not less than Five hundred thousand
pesos   (Php   5oo,ooo.oo)   but   not   more   than   One   million   pesos   (Php
1,ooo,ooo.oo), or imprisonment of up to six (6) years or combination of both.
If the offender is a public official, the court, in addition to the penalties
provided in the preceding paragraph,  may impose the additional penalty of
perpetual disqualification from office.
SECTION 53. Jntexprefafron. - Nothing in this Act shall be construed to
prejudice and diminish whatever benefits non-uniformed personnel is entitled
to receive under existing laws.
SEorl0N 54. Separabl7].fry CJause. - In case any provision of this Act is
declared unconstitutional, the other provisions shall remain in effect.
SECI'ION 55. RepeaJi.ng  clause.  - All laws, decrees, orders,  rules and
regulations, or parts thereof, inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are
hereby repealed or modified accordingly.


12
SECTION 56. E#ecn.tJfty.  - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15)  days
after its publication in the O#ct.aJ Gazerfe or in at least two (2) newspapers of
general circulation.
Approved,