Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

‘Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNO._4239

Introduced by Representative RAYMOND ADRIAN SALCEDA.

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR A MAGNA CARTA OF PHYSICAL THERAPISTS,
INSTITUTING THEIR RIGHTS, BENEFITS, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT,
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Physical therapists are indispensable in promoting health, recovery, and rehabilitation.
They restore functional independence, prevent disability, and improve quality of life for
millions of Filipinos. Their services are critical not only to patients in hospitals and
rehabilitation centers but also to communities recovering from injuries, disabilities, and chronic
diseases.

Despite their indispensable role, physical therapists in government service remain
disadvantaged compared to other allied health professionals. While government nurses have
plantilla positions up to Nurse VI, licensed physical therapists are capped at Physical Therapist
IIL This disparity has resulted in limited career growth, lower compensation scales, and
difficulty retaining skilled practitioners in government service. Many have been compelled to
seek opportunities abroad, contributing to the outmigration of health professionals.

‘The demand for rehabilitation services is also increasing. An aging population, rising
incidence of non-communicable diseases, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic
have placed greater importance on rehabilitation and physical therapy. Yet, the current
conditions of service fail to provide adequate incentives and support for physical therapists to
meet these growing needs.

This bill seeks to establish a Magna Carta of Physical Therapists. It guarantees just
compensation, hazard allowances, professional development, and incentives for service in
remote and underserved areas. Most importantly, it mandates the Department of Budget and
Management, the Department of Health, and the Civil Service Commission to upgrade the
position classification system of physical therapists in government service to ensure career
progression comparable to that of other allied health professionals, particularly nurses.


By enacting this measure, Congress affirms the State’s commitment to support physical
therapists, ensure equity across allied health professions, and strengthen the rehabilitation
services of the country. The Magna Carta of Physical Therapists is both a recognition of their
vital contributions and an investment in a healthier, more resilient Philippines.

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

NAN SALCEDA


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

2
HOUSE BILL NO. 4239

Introduced by Representative RAYMOND ADRIAN SALCEDA

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR A MAGNA CARTA OF PHYSICAL THERAPISTS,
INSTITUTING THEIR RIGHTS, BENEFITS, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT,
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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 “Magna Carta of Physical
Therapists.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. The State recognizes the vital role of physical therapists
in health promotion, recovery, and rehabilitation, It shall guarantee humane working
conditions, just compensation, opportunities for career advancement comparable to those of
other allied health professionals, and adequate protection and support for physical therapists in
the public and private sectors.

SEC. 3. Coverage. This Act shall apply to all duly licensed physical therapists engaged
in the practice of the profession in government service and in private institutions, facilities, and

clinics.

SEC. 4. Rights and Privileges. Physical therapists shall have the following rights and
privileges:

(a) Security of tenure in accordance with law;

(b) Compensation commensurate to qualifications, responsibilities, and length of
service;

(0) Safe and healthy working conditions;
(@) Equal opportunity for training, promotion, and career advancement; and

(©) Access to continuing professional education and development programs.


SEC. 5. Compensation and Allowances, Physical therapists employed in the public
sector shall receive salaries not lower than Salary Grade 15 upon entry. They shall also be
entitled to hazard pay, subsistence allowance while on duty, annual medical examination and
necessary treatment, and other allowances and benefits as may be authorized under the General
Appropriations Act and pertinent issuances.

SEC. 6. Career Progression. The Department of Budget and Management, in
coordination with the Department of Health and the Civil Service Commission, shall review
and upgrade the position classification and compensation of physical therapists in government
service to provide for career levels comparable to those of other allied health professionals,
including nurses.

SEC. 7. Professional Development, The State shall provide scholarships, training
programs, and research grants to support the continuous upgrading of competencies and
expertise of physical therapists.

SEC. 8. Incentives for Service in Remote or Underserved Areas. Physical therapists
assigned in remote, hardship, or underserved areas shall be entitled to hardship allowances and
shall be accorded priority for scholarships, housing, and promotion opportunities, subject to
applicable laws and regulations.

SEC. 9. Non-Diminution of Benefits. Nothing in this Act shall be construed to diminish
or impair any benefits, allowances, or rights granted to physical therapists under existing laws,
rules, regulations, or contracts.

SEC. 10. Implementing Rules and Regulations. Within ninety (90) days from the
effectivity of this Act, the Department of Health, in coordination with the Professional
Regulation Commission, the Civil Service Commission, the Department of Budget and
Management, and recognized professional associations of physical therapists, shall promulgate
the rules and regulations necessary to implement this Act.

SEC. 11. Appropriations. The amount necessary for the initial implementation of this
Act shall be charged against the current appropriations of the concerned agencies. Thereafter,
such sums as may be necessary shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 12. Separability Clause. If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional
or invalid, the remaining provisions not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and
effect.

SEC. 13. Repealing Clause, All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules, and regulations
inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 14. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in
the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,