3givrffty-
Ftnuerf~
Quezon City, Metro Manila
Nineteenth Congress
HOFLrsstER#Larfe6if`°rbo29
RECENED
tiAmeyjrfuae`
TIME:Jzxp
BY:-/
Introduced by Rep. Anthony R. T. Golez Jr. MD, MB
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This representation behieves that there is a need to enhance the implementation
of R.A. No. 10121, otherwise known as the "Phihippine Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management Act of 2010" by enacting a measure that will promote the protection of
the welfare of all Public Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Workers
in the country.
The proposed law herein - Magna Carta for Public Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management (DRRM) Workers seeks to: a) promote and improve socio~economic and
psychological well-being  of Pubhic  DRRM  Workers,  through the  inprovement of
working  conditions,  environment  and  terms  of  employment;   b)   promote  the
development of skins and capabilities of Public DRRM Workers for them to be more
responsive and bebetter equipped for the delivery of DRRM services and programs;
and c) encourage those with proper qualifications and excellent abilities to join and
remain in the government service and DRRM profession.
The approval of the Magna Carta for Public DRRM Workers will complement
the implementation of R.A. No. 10121 as the proposed law will protect the welfare of
those who will protect and work for the country in its disaster risk reduction and
management efforts. This representation believes that the success of the disaster risk
reduction and management efforts of the country is anchored on having competent
personnel  who  are  properly  motivated.   In  view  of  our  country's  continuous
experience to disasters, the welfare of Filipino DRRM Workers deserves to be given
the proper attention.
For the Filipino people, approval of the bill herein is earnestly being sought.
"THgun¥un.
HON. ANTHO
GOLEZ TR. MD, MBAH
Malasahit at Bayaniham Party List


3qurffty-
qurf3tyceB±
Quezon City, Metro Manila
Nineteenth Congress
First Regular Session
HOUSE BILL` Nt). 6029
Introduced by Rep. Anthony R.T. Golez }r. MD, MBAH
MAGNA caRTA
FOR PUBLIC DISASTER RISK REDUCTION
AND MANAGEMENT WORKERS
BeitenactedbythesenateandHouseofRepresentativesofthepluli:ppinecongressAssendled:
Section 1. Tc.fJc. -This Act shall be known as the "Magna Carta for Public Disaster Risk
Reduction and Management (DRRM) Workers".
Section 2. Stofer#e#f a/ PoZ..ey.  - It is a policy of the State to uphold the right of
Filipinos to life and property by addressing the causes of vuinerabilities to disasters,
strengthening  the  country's  institutional  capacity  for  disaster  risk  reduction  and
management. The State hereby recognizes the need to protect the well-being of Public
Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Workers,  through the improvement of
working conditions, environment and terms of employment.
Section 3. De/I.#t.f!.o#. - For purposes of this Act, "Public DRRM Workers" refers to all
persons who are engaged in the performance of duties covering any or all Thematic
Pillars   of   DRRM-   Prevention   and   Mitigation,   Preparedness,   Response,   and
Rehabilitation and  Recovery- employed  by the government or any of its political
subdivisions, instrumentalities, or agencies. The Public DRRM Worker may either be
civilian  personnel  engaged  in  a  permanent,   temporary,  contractual,  or  casual
employment or a Public DRRM Worker engaged through a Contract of Service (Cos)
and  Job  Order  (JO)  and  such  other  appointments,  so  long  as  their  position  or
designation or actual work performed involves government service work and those
functions provided under Section 5 of this Act.
Section 4. Catg}t'co£{.oJ].  - The National Disaster Risk Reduction and  Management
Council (NDRRMC), shall be the certifying body to oversee the following: (i) That the
DRRM functions or activities of an agency or LGU are authorized by law and/or
proper  authority;  (ii)  The  positions  are  part  of  the  authorized  staffing  of  the
organizational  units  performing  the  DRRM  functions;  and  (iii)  Monitor  that  the
incumbents thereof are actually engaged in DRRM work.
Section 5. ChassI}lI.cof€.o" a/DRRM Act..tJi.fi.cs. -The following DRRM activities shall
be classified according to the risks involved based on the nature of work or location
that they are working in:


a)   Low  Risk  DRRM  Activities-  DRRM  activities  that  subject  a  Public  DRRM
Worker to minimal exposure or lesser degree of occupational risks or perils to
life,  such  as  but  not  limited  to,  regular  office  or  clerical  work  and  those
personnel that are not deployed for DRRM activities in high-risk areas.
b)  High Risk DRRM Activities- DRRM activities that expose the Public DRRM
Worker to occupational risks or perils to life, such as but not limited to, search,
rescue, and retrieval operations, management of the dead and missing, rapid
damage   needs   assessment,   post-disaster   needs   assessment,   emergency
response  activities,  post-disaster  activities,  health  and  epidemic/pandemic
response operations, and Low Risk DRRM Activities in high-risk areas such as
those  Public  DRRM  workers  deployed  in  identified  activities  under  the
different Thematic Pillars and in critical areas that are about to be affected, is
affected,  and  during  the  early  recovery  from  natural  or  human-induced
hazards. Such activities shall also cover those that are to be performed in high-
risk areas.
Low Risk DRRM activities shall be considered as high risk DRRM activities
when the same is being performed in an affected area or in areas deemed high
risk.
Provided,  that  the  determination  of  such classification  shall  be  under  the
discretion of the respective heads of agencies concerned.
Section  6. Recndtment  and  Qualifecation. -Recruitrmen+  policy   and  m±rimum
requirements with respect to the selection and appointment and/or assignment of
Public DRRM Workers shall be developed by the NDRRMC in accordance with the
policies  and standards  of the Civil Service Commission  and  implemented  by the
respective agencies concerned: provided, that in the absence of qualified ``eligibles"
and  it  becomes  necessary  in  the  public  interest  to  fill  a  vacancy,  a  temporary
appointment shall be issued to the person, including persons with disability (PWD),
who meets all the requirements for the position to which he/she is being appointed
except the appropriate civil service eligibility: provided, further, that such temporary
appointment shall not exceed twelve (12) months nor be less than three (3) months,
renewable only once thereafter but that the appointee may be replaced sooner if (a) a
qualified civil service eligible becomes available, or (b) the appointee is found wanting
in capacity or delivering poor performance  or conduct unbefitting  a  government
employee.
Section 7. DRRM Vohai!£eers. - DRRM Volunteers shall not be covered by this Act,
but shall otherwise be covered by the Guidelines on Accredited Community Disaster
Volunteers (ACDV) and pursuant to Section 9(o) of RA 10121 and its implementing
rules and regulations issued by the NDRRMC. For those that are not covered by the
ACDV Guidelines, their respective organizations shall provide ample protection to
their personnel-volunteers in consonance with the provisions of this Act.


Section 8. No#-zJei7Jcfl#enf P#bzt.c DRRM Workers. - Non-permanent Pubhic DRRM
Workers  engaged  by  the  Government,  such  as  Job  Order,  Contract  of  Service
personnel,  and  consultants  may  be  provided  with  such  welfare  benefits  under
Sections 25, 26, and 32 of this Act in relation to the performance of their duties as
premiums thereof should their contracts require or allow them to provide services that
are deemed high risk in nature.  Provided, that the Non-permanent Public DRRM
Worker shall secure a certification from the head of agency or its duly designated
representative that he/ she has performed either of the DRRM functions or activities
as provided for under Section 5 of this Act as a requirement to avail such benefits.
Section 9. Performance Evahaation and Merit Promotion. - A1:i concerned agencies,
in consultation under Section 39 of this  Act,  shall  prepare  a  uniform  career and
personnel development plan applicable to all Public DRRM Workers. Such career and
personnel   development   plan   shall   include   provisions   on   merit   promotion,
performance evaluation, in-service training grants, job rotation, and incentive and
award system.
The  performance  evaluation  plan  shall  consider  foremost  the  improvement  of
individual employee efficiency and organizational effectiveness: provided, that each
employee shall be informed regularly by his/her supervisor of his/her performance
evaluation.
The merit promotion plan shall be in consonance with the rules of the Civil Service
Commission.
Sec&on uO. Transfier or Geographieal Reassignmeut Of Pubtic DRRM Workers. -
a)  Transfer is the movement of an employee from  one  organizational unit to
another in the same department or agency or from one department or agency
to another which is of equivalent rank, level, or salary without gap in service.
On the other hand, Re-assignment is a movement of an employee across the
organizational structure within the same department or agency which does not
involve a reduction in rank, level, or salary. A transfer requires an issuance of
appointment while geographical re-assignment does not.
b)  A Public DRRM Worker shall not be transferred and/or reassigned, except
when  made  in  the  interest of public  service,  in which case,  the  employee
concerned shall be informed of the reasons therefore in writing. If the Public
DRRM Worker believes that there is no justification for the transfer and/or
reassignment,   he/she   may   appeal   his/her   case   to   the   Civil   Service
Commission. In case of an appeal, the transfer/reassignment shall be held in
abeyance and shall only take effect if the appeal is denied: provided, that no
transfer and/or reassignment shall be made for reasons  merely of political
affiliation; provided further, that no transfer and/ or reassignment whatsoever
shall be made three (3) months before and three (3) months after any local or
national elections:  provided  furthermore,  that the  transfer/reassignment of
Public DRRM Workers' nature of work shall remain to be DRRM in nature;
provided   lastly,   that   the   necessary   expenses   of   the   transfer   and/or
reassignment of the Public DRRM Worker and his/her immediate family shall
be paid for by the Government.


Section  11.M¢rm.cd  P#bJ..c  DRRM  Workers. -Whenever  possible,   the  proper
authorities shall take steps to enable married couples, both of whom are Pubhic DRRM
Workers, to be employed or assigned in the same LGU or governlnent agency, but not
necessarily in the same office department or division.
Section 12. Scco".£gr a/ ren#re. - h case of permanent employment of Public DRRM
Workers, their services shall not be terminated except for cause provided by law and
after due process: provided,  that if a Public  DRRM Worker is  found by the Civil
Service Commission to be unjustly dismissed from work, he/she shall be entitled to
reinstatement  without  loss  of  seniority  rights  and  to  his/her  back  wages  with
applicable commensurate Interest, subject to prevailing laws and policies computed
from the time his/her compensation was withheld from his/her up to the time of
reinstatement.
Section  13.  Profectf.o#  /rowc  D®.sci'T.ffl{.#flft.o". -Public   DRRM  Workers  sham   be
protected from discrimination regardless of their sex, age, gender, sexual orientation,
race, ethnicity,  pregnancy, physical disabilrty or characteristics,  civil status,  creed,
religious and political beliefs, or any other status in the exercise of his/her profession.
Provided,  that the  disability  of the  Public  DRRM Worker shall not linit his/her
effective  performance  of  the  DRRM  profession  which  he/she  is  hired  and/or
appointed to.
Section 14. D#ft.cs ¢#d ObJz.grit.o#s. - The Pubhic DRRM Worker shall:
a)      Perform his/her duty with utmost respect for life, race, sex, ethnicity, gender,
sexual orientation, religion, nationality, party policies, and social status;
b)      Discharge his/her duty humanely with conscience and dignity;
c)      Be  duty~ready  at  all  times  and  prepared  to  be  deployed  in  any  kind  of
emergencies and disasters, adhering to all emergency protocols. Provided, that
in the event where the family of the Public DRRM Worker is directly affected
by the disaster, he/she shall first ensure their safety and well-being;
d)      Be properly trained and proficient in his/her assigned position and tasks;
e)      Always endeavor to maintain a level of health and fitness consistent with the
demands of the DRRM profession;
i)       Actively participate in all in-service training, drills, and simulation exercises
that will enhance  his/her capacity in performing  his functions  as  a  Public
DRRM Worker;
g)      Be   familiar   with   the   Disaster   Risk   Reduction   and   Management   Plan,
Contingency Plans, and Public Service Continuity Plan of the agency or LGU
to which they are employed or engaged and contribute in their Occupational
Safety and Health efforts;
h)     Conduct needs assessment as part of risk reduction and planning;
i)       Not consume liquor or any substances, legal or illegal, prior or while in the
performance of duties that could impair his/ her vigilance or judgement;
j)       Maintain an in-depth understanding of the emergency and DRRM procedures;
k)      Practice utmost safety and diligence in the performance of duty; and
1)       Always adhere that Disaster prevention and Mitigation is first and foremostthe
most essential and that the same saves lives.


Section 15. Code a/ Co#d#cf. -Within six (6) months from the approval of this Act, the
NDRRMC, upon consultation with the appropriate agencies and instrumentalities of
the government, and appropriate DRRM worker's organizations, shall formulate and
prepare a Code of Conduct for Public DRRM Workers, in consonance with Republic
Act No. 6714 or the ``Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and
Employees'', which shall be disseminated as widely as possible.
Section  16.  Adow®.#t.sfrflft.z7e  Charges. -Administrative  charges  against  a  DRRM
Worker shall be heard by a committee created by the agency/office where the Public
DRRM Worker belongs pursuant to the existing ``Revised Rules on Administrative
Cases in the Civil Service (RRACCS)''. The committee shall submit its findings and
recommendations  to  the  head  of  agency/office within  thirty  (30)  days  from  the
termination of the hearings.
The Committee shall be appointed by the Head of Agency or LGU and shall be
composed of seven (7) members, including the Chairperson. It shall be composed of
the following:
a)   Second highest ranking official, for NGAs, or Vice~Mayor for LGUs, or Vice-
Governor for Provincial Level, as its Chairperson;
b)  The Head of Human Resource as its Vice{hairperson;
c)   One (1) Division Chief with a salary grade of not lower than 22;
d)  Two (2) Section Chiefs or employees with salary grade of not lower than 18;
e)  One (1) representative from a recognized Public DRRM Worker's association
or its equivalent, provided,  that the said representative also  belongs to the
agency, in the absence thereof, an employee with a salary grade of not lower
than 18; and
f)   One (1) representative from the legal section or division, or its equivalent.
TheHeadofOfficemayreorganizethecompositionoftheCommitteeinsuchcases
where one or more members of the Committee is/are the interested party or in cases
necessary to discharge the functions of the Committee, such as when the prescribed
composition of the Committee cannot be met due to insufficiency, unavailabihity, or
absence of the position, rank, or office in the agency. In such case, the Head of Office
shall exercise diligence in choosing the members in accordance with their ranks or
functions consistent with the prescribed composition.
Section 17.  LegrJ S!ipporf.  -  Public  DRRM Workers  shall be exempted  from  any
liability as to damage to  any property or injury to a person caused  in  the direct
performance of their duty relative to disaster or emergency response and other related
activities  where  the  same  is  necessary  in  order  to  save  lives  or  properties,  in
accordance with Art. 11, par. 5 of the Revised Penal Code and/or other applicable
laws and issuances. In any case, however, the Public DRRM Worker shall be afforded
with appropriate assistance by their respective agency or LGU concerned in view that
any conflict that may arise shall be resolved  amicably or extra-judicially through
commensurate and peaceful means.


In cases where injury or death is involved and a case has been filed against the
Public DRRM Worker, he/she shall be afforded with all possible legal assistance by
the Agency or LGU concerned. Provided, that it is established by the Public DRRM
Worker,  through  a  Sworn Affidavit,  that  the  injury  or  death  caused  is  in  direct
connection of his/her duty, without any criminal or malicious intent.
Sect±on18.SafeguardsinDisciplinaryProcedures.-Ineverydisc±p+haryproceeding,
the Public DRRM Worker shall have:
a)      the right to be informed, in writing, of the charges;
b)      the rightto full access to theevidencein thecase;
c)      the right to defend himself/herself and to be defended by a representative of
his/her choice and/or by his/her organization, with adequate time given to
the Public DRRM Worker for the preparation of his/her defense;
d)     the  right  to  confront  witnesses  presented  against  him/her  and  summon
witnesses in his/her behalf;
e)      the right to appeal to designated authorities;
I)       the right to reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred in his/her defense
in case of exoneration or dismissal of the charges; and
g)      such other rights as will ensure fairness and impartiahity during proceedings.
Section 19. NomfflJ Ho#rs a/ Work. - The normal hours of work of any Public DRRM
Worker shall not exceed eight (8) hours  a day or forty (40) hours a week. Hours
worked shall include: a) all the time during which a Public DRRM Worker is required
to be on active duty or to be at a prescribed workplace; and b) all the time during
which a Pubhic DRRM Worker is placed in On-Call status; provided, that, a Public
DRRM Worker particularly placed in "On Call" status shall be entitled to an "On Call"
pay equivalent to fifty percent (50% ) of his/her regular wage. Provided, further, that
no Public DRRM Worker shall be placed ``On{all" status beyond seven 0 days per
month.
"On Call" status refers to a status where a Public DRRM Worker not on active
duty is called upon to respond to urgent or immediate need for response-related
activities relative to emergencies such that he/she carmot devote the time for his/ her
own use.
Section 20. Oz7erf..ffle  Wo#*. - Where  the  exigencies  of the  service  so  require,  any
Public DRRM Worker may be required to render service beyond the normal eight (8)
hours a day. h such a case, the workers shall be paid an additional compensation in
accordance   with   existing   laws   and   prevailing   practices.   Provided,   that   such
compensation shall be subject to the same rates, conditions, and limitations applicable
to qualified government personnel provided under relevant issuances of Civil Service
Commission (CSC) - Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
Section Z1. Work During Rest Day.


a)        Where a public DRRM Worker is made to work on his/her scheduled restday,
he/she shall be paid an additional compensation in accordance with existing
laws.
b)        Where a public DRRM Worker is made to work on any special holiday he/she
shall be paid an additional compensation in accordance with existing laws.
Wheresuchholidayworkfallsontheworker'sscheduledrestday,he/sheshall
be entitled to an additional compensation as may be provided by existing laws.
Sectom22.Night-ShiftDiffereutial.
a)        Every public DRRM Worker shall be paid a night-shift differential of twenty
percent(20%)of his/herregularwageforeachhourofworkperformedduring
the night-shifts.
b)        Every  Public  DRRM Worker required to work on the period covered  after
his/her regular schedule shall be entitled to his/her regular wage plus the
regular overtime rate and an additional amount of twenty percent (20%) of
such overtime rate for each hour of work performed between six (6) o'clock in
the evening to six (6) o'clock in the moming.
Section  23. Sflho".es. -  h  the  determination  of  the  salary  scale  of  Public  DRRM
Workers, the existing applicable law on the salary scheme of government employees
shall govern.
a)         Salary scale for Local public DRRMWorker. -Thesalaryscales ofpubhic DRRM
Workers whose salaries are appropriated by a municipality, city, or provincial
government shall be based on the salary schedule being iinplemented by the
LGU concerned;
b)        Salaries to be paid in Legal Tender -Salaries of public DRRM Workers shall be
paid in legal tender of the Philippines or the equivalent in checks or treasury
warrants: provided, however, that such checks or treasury warrants shall be
convertible to cash in any national, provincial, city or municipal treasurers'
office or any banking institution operating under the laws of the Republic of
the Philippines.
c)         Deductions prohibited -No person shall make any deduction whatsoever from
the salaries of Public DRRM Workers except under specific provision of law
authorizing such deductions: provided, however, that upon written authority
executed by the Public DRRM Worker concerned, a) lawful dues or fees owing
to any organization/ association where such Public DRRM Worker is an officer
or member; and b) premiums properly due all insurance policies, retirement
and medicare sham be considered deductible.
Section 24. Add£.fi.ow¢J Cowipensflf€.o„. - Notwithstanding Section 12 of Republic Act
No. 6758 also known as the "Compensation and Position Classification Act of 1989",
Public  DRRM  Workers  shall receive  the  following  allowances:  hazard  allowance,
subsistence   allowance,   reimbursement   of   allowable   communication   expense,
longevity pay, laundry allowance, and quarters allowance.
Section 25. Hflzflrd AZJoov¢#ce. - As  provided  under Section 5  of this  Act,  Public
DRRM Workers, who are exposed to high risks or perils to life in the performance of


their  duties  and  responsibilities,  shall  be  compensated  with  hazard  allowance
equivalent to not exceeding twenty-five (25%) of their daily basic salary, and at least
five  percent  (5%)  for  Public  DRRM  Workers  exposed  in  low-risk  activities  when
deployed to or are working in affected areas. Provided, that Pubhic DRRM Workers
under low risk DRRM activities shall be eligible to avail an increase hazard allowance
equivalent to that of high risk DRRM Workers in the event that they are called to
perform or are deployed for a limited period to high-risk DRRM activities, subject to
appropriatecomputationofdaysrendered.Thedeterminationofthecompensationof
HazardAllowanceshallbebasedontheactualworkingdaysofexposureofthePublic
DRRM Worker to any given risks or perils to life.
SecBon Z6. Transportation,  Co'mrmt:ndcation,  and  Subsistence  Auowance. -Pubha
DRRM Workers who are required to render service in the field during emergencies
and disasters in order to make their services available at any and all times, shall be
entitled to full subsistence allowance of three (3) meals which may be computed in
accordance with prevailing circumstances. Provided, that, no subsistence allowance
shall be given in the event where the concerned agency has already prescribed meals
for the Public DRRM Worker.
Public DRRM workers required to report outside of their regular workstations
other  than  responding  to   disasters   or  emergencies  sham  be  entitled  to   such
transportation and travel expenses pursuant E.O No.  77. S, 2019 or other existing
budgeting, accounting and auditing guidelines as well as reimbursement of allowable
communication expenses.
Section 27. Lo#gco..fry Pflgr. -A monthly longevity pay equivalent to five percent (5% )
of the monthly basic pay sham be paid to a Public DRRM Worker for every five (5)
years of continuous, efficient, and meritorious services rendered as certified by the
chief of office concerned, commencing with the Public DRRM Worker's service upon
the effectivity of this Act.
Those entitled  to  Longevity Pay can no longer avail of the Step  hcrement
benefit due to length of service.
Section 28. Lfl%„dr/ AZZozufl#ce. - All Public  DRRM Workers who  are required to
wear uniforms regularly shall be entitled to laundry allowance equivalent to One
Hundred Fifty Pesos (Php 150) per month: provided, that this rate shall be reviewed
periodically and increased accordingly by the NDRRMC in consultation with the
appropriate government agencies concerned taking into account existing laws and
prevailing practices.
Section 29. Ho"s!.#g. ~ All Public DRRM Workers who are on tour of duty and those
who, because of unavoidable circumstances are forced to stay in their offices, shall be
entitled to free living quarters within the office, or if such quarters are not available,
shall receive quarters allowance as may be determined by their respective agencies.
A quahified Public  DRRM Worker who has no residence within a fifty (50)
kilometer radius from such government facility or deployment area shall be granted


quarters allowance at the local room rental rate in the area until free living quarters
are available.
Section 30. Medical, Mental, and Psychosocial Exanwhation. ~ Coapulsory rnedicaL1,
mental, and psychosocial examination shall be provided free of charge to all Public
DRRM Workers before entering the service in the Government or its subdivisions and
shall be repeated once a year during the tenure of employment of all Public DRRM
Workers and every after deployment of Public DRRM Workers for more than three
(3) days to seven (7) days in high-risk areas, as may be determined by the agency
where the Public DRRM Worker belongs: provided, that where medical examination
shows   that   medical   treatment,   mental,   or   psychosocial   intervention,   and/or
hospitalization is necessary for those already in government service, the treatment
and/or  hospitalization  including  medicines  shall  be  provided  free  either  in  a
government or a private hospital by the government entity paying the salary of the
Public DRRM Worker: provided, further, that the cost of such medical examination
and treatment shall be determined by the respective agency who the Public DRRM
Worker is engaged with and such amount be subject to process of the agency.
In cases of extreme exposure to a traumatic experience while rendering DRRM
Work,  the  agency  shall,  aside  from  those  that  are  provided  for  above,  provide
necessary support for the rehabilitation of the Pubhic DRRM Worker. A post medical
examination shall be provided for the Public  DRRM Worker prior to leaving the
service.
Section 31. Personal Protective Equlpmeut, Vaccination, and other Propkylaxis. -
Public DRRM Workers, as frontliners in disaster response, shall be provided with
appropriate personal protective equipment, free vaccinations and other prophylactic
medicines  against common and  present diseases  in the locality where  the  Public
DRRM Worker is assigned. The immediate family of Public DRRM Workers deployed
in high risks area who are exposed to any highly contagious disease/ illness shall also
be entitled to vaccinations or any available immediate medical intervention.
Serfuon 32. Conapensation for Work-Related Injuries and Siclmesses. -Ptoha DRR:M
Workers  shall  be  protected  against  the  consequences  of employment  injuries  or
sickness in accordance with existing laws. Injuries or sickness incurred in line of duty
shall be presumed work{ormected.
Section 33. I,cflt7c Ber!e/c.fs /or P7,ibz®.c DRRM Worfeers. - Public DRRM Workers are
entitled to such vacation, sick leaves as provided by existing laws and prevailing
practices:  provided, that in addition to the leave privilege now enjoyed by Public
DRRM  Workers-  men  and  women  Public  DRRM  Workers  are  entitled  to  such
paternity and matemity leaves, respectively, provided by existing laws and prevailing
practices: provided, further, that upon separation of the Public DRRM Workers from
service, they shall be entitled to all accumulated leave credits with pay. Public DRRM
Workers  are also entitled to rehabilitation leave privilege for physical,  mental,  or
emotional injuries/damage sustained in the performance of official duties subject to
the  provisions  under  relevant  issuances  of  Civil  Service  Commission  (CSC)  -
Department of Budget and Management (DBM).


Section 34. C¢p¢cc.fry B#c.Jdi.ng, SchoharsJ!..p fl#d Grtz#£s. - Public DRRM Workers shall
undergo necessary training and other capacity building activities on a regular basis.
They shall also be given opportunity to avail of scholarship benefits and grants for
pursuing graduate and post-graduate studies in accordance with the existing rules to
be implemented by the concerned agencies or LGUs. Grantees of the program may
study within the Philippines or abroad provided that the concerned agency or LGU
shall provide strict measures to ensure continuity and render service obligation. The
concerned  agency  shall  give  utmost  preference  to  post-graduate  DRRM-related
studies in granting such benefits.
Section 35. M¢#drfony I#sitrfl#ce Coz7ernge- Public DRRM Workers shall be entitled
to insurance coverage as provided by the Social Security System (SSS) as mandated
under Republic Act No. 8282 otherwise known as the ``Social Security Law", by the
Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) as provided by Republic Act No. 8291
also  known  as  ``The Government Service  Insurance System  Act of 1997",  by the
Universal Health Care Act as mandated by RA No.  11223,  and by the Philippine
Health Insurance (Philhealth) as mandated by Republic Act No. 7875 or the ``National
Health  Insurance  Act  of  1995",  whichever  is  applicable.  Further,  Public  DRRM
Workers holding permanent positions and are assigned on field work shall also be
entitled to personal accident insurance amounting to P100,000.00; at a minimum, it
must include coverage for accidental death or dismemberment, permanent disability
and hospitahization cost reimbursement.
Section 36. EL.gkesf B¢s{.c Sflhany UzJow RefS.rerrcenf. - Three (3)  months prior to the
compulsory retirement, the Public DRRM Worker shall automatically be granted one
(1) salary range or grade higher than his/her basic salary and his/her retirement
benefit thereafter computed on the basis of his/her highest salary: provided, that
he/she has reached the age and fulfilled service requirements under existing laws.
Section 37. Rt.givf fo ScJ/-Orgr#£.zflf!.o#. - Public DRRM Workers shall have the right
to freely form, join or assist organizations or associations, to the extent anowable by
law and/or existing policies, for purposes not contrary to law in order to defend and
protect  their  mutual  interests  and  to  obtain  redress  of their  grievances  through
peaceful concerted activities.
Section  38. rreedor" rtyowt I#fe}fererfce  or Coerc{.o#. -  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 Public DRRM Worker shall
not  join  a  DRRM  Workers'   organization,  association,  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 DRRM Workers' organization, association, or union;
c)  to  prevent a  Public  DRRM  Worker  from  carrying  out duties  laid  upon
him/her by his/her position in the organization, association, or union, or to
penalize him/her for the action undertaken in such capacity;


d) to harass or interfere with the discharge of the functions of the Public DRRM
Worker when these are calculated to intimidate or to prevent the performance
of his/her duties and responsibilities; and
e) to otherwise interfere in the establishment, functioning, or administration of
DRRM Worker's organizations or unions through acts designed to place such
organization or union under the control of government authority.
SectLou  39. Consultation  with  Pubitc  DRRM  Workers'  Ongarrizatious. -Tn  +ha
formulation  of  national  policies  governing  the  social  security  of  Public  DRRM
Workers,  professional  and  Public  DRRM  Workers'  organizations  as  well  as  other
appropriate government agencies concerned shall be consulted by the NDRRMC. For
this  purpose,  Management~DRRM  Workers'  Consultative  Councils  for  national,
regional and other appropriate levels shall be established and operationalized.
Sec&on  40.  Han!ian  Resource  Developmeidy  Managemeiit  Study. -The  HITmaLn
Resource  Department/Division  of respective  concerned  agencies  shall  conduct  a
periodic human resource development/management study into, among others, the
following areas:
a)        adequacy of facilities and supplies to render quality DRRM services to
client population;
b)        opportunity  for  Pubhic  DRRM  Workers  to  grow  and  develop  their
potentials and experience a sense of worth and dignity in their work;
c)         mechahisms   for   democratic   consultation   in   government   DRRM
institutions;
d)        appropriate organizational and staffing patterns;
e)        ways  and  means  of enabling  the  rank-and-file  workers  to  avail  of
educational opportunities for personal growth and development;
D         upgrading  of  working  conditions,  reelassification  of  positions  and
salaries  of Public  DRRM Workers  to correct disparity vis-a-vis  other
professions such that positions requiring longer study be upgraded and
given corresponding pay scale; and
g)        assessment  of  the  national  policy  on  exportation  of  skilled  human
resource  to  focus  on  how  these  resources  could  instead  be  utilized
productively for the country's needs.
There is hereby created a Congressional Oversight Committee to review and
assess  human  resource  development,  particularly  on  continuing  education  and
training and the other areas described above. The Committee shall be composed of
five (5) members of the House of Representatives and five (5) members of the Senate.
It shall be co-chaired by the chairpersons of the Committee on Disaster Resilience of
both houses. It shall render a report and recommendation to Congress which shall be
the basis for policy legislation in the field of Disaster Resilience or DRRM. Such a
congressional review shall be undertaken once every five (5) years.
Section 41. IrmpJc"e#f!.ng R#Zes ¢#d RegwJfl£}.o#s. - The NDRRMC after consultation
with appropriate agencies  of the Government as well as professional and  DRRM
Workers'  organizations or associations, shall formulate and prepare the necessary
rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act. Further, the DBM, in


coordination  with  the  NDRRMC,   shall  issue  the  guidelines   on  the  grant  of
compensation-related benefits to Public DRRM Workers. Rules and regulations issued
pursuant  to  this  Section  shall  take  effect  thirty  (30)  days  after  publication  in  a
newspaper of general circulation.
Section 42. Prohibition Against Double Recovery Of Benefits. -Whenever other laws
provide for the same benefits covered by this Act, the Public DRRM Worker shall have
the option to choose which benefits will be paid to him/her, However, in the event
that the benefits chosen are less than that provided under this Act, the worker shall be
paid only the difference.
Sect±on43.ProhibitionAgainstElindnationaniiforDindnution.-Nothinginthisla,w
shall be construed to ehiminate or in any way diminish benefits being enjoyed by
Public DRRM Workers at the time of the effectivity of this Act.
Section 44. Appropr.¢f..or!s. ~ the amount needed for the implementation of this Act
shall  be  determined  by  the  concerned  agencies  and  be  included  in  the  General
Appropriations  Act  of  the  year  following  its  enactment  under  the  budgetary
appropriations  of  concerned  agencies  or  chargeable  against  local  funds  of  Local
Government Units subject to Personal Service Limitations pursuant to Sec. 325 of RA
7160 where applicable.
However, such special benefits, including injury and burial benefits as weu as hazard
pay may be sourced from the Local DRRM Fund of the agencies or Local Government
Units.
Section 45. Pe#flJ Proz».st.o„. -Any person who shall willfully interfere with, restrain
or coerce any Public DRRM Worker in the exercise of his/her rights or sham in any
manner  commit  any  act in violation  of  any  of the  provisions  of this  Act,  upon
conviction, shall be punished by a fine of not less than ten thousand pesos (P10,000.00)
or imprisonment of not more than one (1) year or both at the 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 the additional penalty of disqualification from
office.
Section 46. Sapflrm[b!7try Chause. - If any provision of this Act is declared invalid, the
remainder of this Act or any provision not affected thereby shall remain in force and
effect.
Section 47. Repeflz..#g Cha#sc. - All laws and issuances and their implementing rules,
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified
accordingly.
Section 48. E#ect®.t7t.rty. ~ This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication
in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,