NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S.B. No. 232
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’22 JUL-7 P6 *00
RHCEIVtO Bv:
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR ROBINHOOD PADILLA
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE MAGNA CARTA OF BARANGAY HEALTH WORKERS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article XIII Section 11 of the 1987 Constitution provides that "[the] State shall 
adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to health development which shall 
endeavor to make essential goods, health and other social services available to all the 
people at affordable cost."
As frontliners in the delivery of primary health care services, the barangay 
health workers (BHWs) play an integral role In the provision of basic services to the 
underserved and in the promotion of meaningful community participation in the 
country's health system.
With the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic which tremendously put health 
care systems in crisis, the BHWs have taken a pivotal role at the grassroots levels as 
they also stand in the communities' first line of defense, in regular monitoring of 
vulnerable people, and as link of households to health providers and facilities.
Despite this, there still lies the fact that our BHWs are only considered 
volunteers in communities, and are thus only entitled to meager incentives and 
benefits.
It is thus the intention of this bill to mandate the provision of incentives and 
benefits to our active and regularly performing BHWs such as hazard allowance, 
retirement cash incentive, insurance coverage, and access to loan facilities, among


others. This measure also seeks to prohibit any form of discrimination against BHWs 
in the exercise of their functions and responsibilities.
This bil! also Includes the BHWs right to self-organization in order to freely form, 
join or assist organizations to obtain redress of their grievances through peaceful 
concerted activities, in a manner not contrary to law.
With the huge role that our BHWs perform in our health sector, it is only proper 
that the State likewise protect those who protect our people by giving them just 
compensation and other benefits and incentives that they rightfully deserve.
It is for these reasons that the passage of this measure is earnestly sought.
OBMHOOD PADILLA


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s.B. No. 232
of the ^ ftiip
•22 JUL-7 P6:00
RliCEIVEDBV:
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR ROBINHOOD PADILLA
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE MAGNA CARTA OF BARANGAY HEALTH WORKERS
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Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Magna Carta of 
Barangay Health Workers"
Section 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the 
State to protect and promote the right to health of people and adopt an integrated 
and comprehensive approach to health development. Pursuant thereto, it shall 
endeavor to make essential goods, healthcare, and other social services available to 
all the people. In line with the country's commitment to accomplish health indicator 
targets under United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the State shall 
adopt policies that promote the welfare and well-being of barangay health workers 
who are at the forefront of the delivery of health care at the grassroots level, and 
which shall effectively harness their potential as partners in development.
Section 3. Definition. - As used in this Act, the term "barangay health 
worker" shall refer to a person who has undergone training under any accredited 
government and non-government organization and who voluntarily renders primary 
healthcare services in the community after having been accredited to function as such 
by the local health board in accordance with the guidelines promulgated by the 
Department of Health (DOH) pursuant to Section 3 of Republic Act No. 7883 otherwise 
known as the "Barangay Health Workers' Benefits and Incentives Act of 1995." 
ProvidedIhBt, a barangay health worker shall be considered as a public health worker 
as defined under Republic Act No. 7305 or the Magna Carta of Public Health Workers 
for purposes of receiving any special risk allowance granted to health workers for the 
COVID-19 pandemic, and any other pandemic that may occur hereafter.
Section 4. Registration. - Barangay health workers (BHWs) shall be 
registered with the local health board in the city or municipality in which they render


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service. The registered health workers shall be given appropriate proof of said 
registration.
The municipal and city health offices shall regularly maintain and update the 
BHW Registry with the assistance of the BHW Federation and shall submit the same 
to the municipal or city health board. The local health offices shall submit a copy of 
their respective updated BHW registry to the Provincial Health Office which shall 
consolidate all registries. Upon the validation of the Provincial BHW Federation, the 
consolidated Provincial Registry shall be submitted to the Provincial Health Board, and 
the same shall be posted on the municipal or city bulletin boards and barangay health 
centers.
The Provincial BHW Registry shall be submitted on or before April 30 of every 
year to the DOH at the regional and national levels for consolidation. The DOH is 
hereby mandated to maintain a national register of BHWs.
In order to qualify for registration, a barangay health worker must:
(a) 
Have rendered basic community health care services continuously and 
satisfactorily for at least six (6) months Immediately preceding the date 
of the filing of an application for registration in the barangay as certified 
by the Rural Health Midwife (RHM) or public health nurse assigned to 
the barangay and by the head of the barangay health workers 
association;
(b) 
Have completed the basic orientation and training for BHWs as 
prescribed by the DOH and conducted by an accredited government 
agency, or DOH-recognIzed academic institution, or non-governmental 
organization (NGO);
(c) 
Be at least eighteen (18) years of age at the date of the filing of the 
application for registration; and,
(d) 
Be physically and mentally fit.
It shall be the duty of the municipal and city health offices, in cooperation with 
the Provincial Health Office and DOH, to provide the BHW applicants with basic 
orientation and training within six (6) months from the date of approval of their 
application.
Section 5. Accreditation. - To further professionalize the health care 
services rendered by the BHWs and ensure the health and welfare of the community, 
a duly registered BHW must be accredited by the municipal or city health board.
The municipal or city health board shall Issue the certificate of accreditation to 
qualified BHWs. In order to qualify for accreditation, the applicant BHW must:
(a) Be registered in accordance with Section 4 hereof;


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(b) 
Have completed in the locality at least two (2) years of continuous and 
satisfactory service immediately prior to the filing of an application for 
accreditation;
(c) 
Have compieted a regular training program on health care service and 
community-based health program, that would upgrade and develop the 
skills and competency of BHWs to perform their roles. The training 
program shall be institutionalized by the DOH, in cooperation with local 
government units.
It shall be the duty of the municipal and city LGUs, in cooperation with the 
provincial government and the DOH, to provide the applicant BHWs the necessary 
support and opportunities for accreditation.
A BHW must complete the regular training program on health care service and 
community-based health programs within five (5) years from registration.
The municipal and city health boards or through their registration and 
accreditation committee shall act on the applications for accreditation of BHWs not 
later than thirty (30) days from the date of application.
The DOH shall also maintain an updated roster of accredited BHWs that Is 
accessible to the general public.
Section 6. Number and Rote of Barangay Health Workers, -
Notwithstanding the limitations prescribed under Section 325 (a) of Republic Act No. 
7160, as amended, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, each 
barangay shall at least have one (1) BHW for every twenty (20) households.
As one of the key partners In a reformed health care delivery system, the DOH 
and LGUs shall support the roles of BHWs as:
(a) 
Advocate - to support, promote and champion current health programs, 
projects, and activities to improve access to quality health services 
towards the improved health status of the community.
(b) 
Educator - to guide and advise the community on the current DOH and 
health priorities of LGUs such as importance of birth plan and facility- 
based delivery In reducing maternal and infant deaths; newborn 
screening for the early detection of congenital metabolic disorders 
which may leads to mental retardation and even death, among others;
(c) 
Disseminator - to maintain regular communication with local 
professional health workers on health events and updates and concerns 
relevant to the community and inform the same to the community for 
appropriate action, if necessary;


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(d) Coordinator - to facilitate access to any group or association of the 
community with a relevant network of or specific health and non-health 
service providers;
(e) Record Keeper - to maintain updated records of health data, health 
activities and events in the community;
(f) 
Health Care Service Provider - to assist and provide basic health care 
services as may be needed in the community in any health event.
A BHW shall not be required to engage in any partisan political activity.
Section 7. Mandatory Appointment of Barangay Health Worker 
(BHW). -There shall be appointed at least one (1) BHW in every barangay for every 
twenty (20) households who shall be under the supervision and control of the DOH. 
The BHW so appointed shall coordinate closely with the local government health 
officer in the implementation of health programs in the locality As far as practicable, 
the BHW to be employed must be a resident of the barangay.
The DOH shall determine the ratio of barangay health workers according to the 
number of households: Provided, That there shall be at least one (1) BHW for every 
twenty (20) households: Provided, further. That the total number of barangay health 
workers nationwide shall not be less than one percent (1%) of the total population.
Section 8. Incentives and Benefits. - All BHWs who are actively and 
regularly performing their duties shall be entitled to monthly honoraria in the amount 
of not less than Three thousand pesos (P3,000.00) subject to adjustment based on 
the prevailing market value, in addition to the following incentives and benefits:
(a) Privileges for the BHWs. - All accredited BHWs shall be entitled to 
twenty percent (20%) discount on ail the items enumerated under 
Section 4 (a) of Republic Act No. 9994 otherwise known as the 
Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010: Provided, That the privileges 
shall not be claimed if the BHW is eligible for a higher discount that 
may be granted by the commercial establishment or other existing 
laws.
The commercial establishment may claim the discount granted under 
this section as tax deduction based on the cost of goods sold or services 
rendered: Provided, that the discount shall be allowed as a deduction 
from the gross income for the same taxable year that the discount is 
granted: Provided further, that the total amount of the claimed tax 
deduction net of value-added tax, if applicable, shall be included in their 
gross sales receipt for tax purposes and shall be subject to proper 
documentation and to the provisions of the National Internal Revenue 
Code of 1997, as amended.


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(b) 
Hazard Allowance. - All accredited BHWs shall be entitled to hazard 
allowance in an amount to be determined by the local health board of 
the local government unit concerned, which in no case shall be less 
than One thousand pesos (PI,000.00) per month, subject to existing 
laws, rules, and regulations;
(c) 
Subsistence Allowance. - All accredited BHWs who render service within 
the premises of isolated barangay health stations shall be entitled to 
subsistence allowance equivalent to the meals they take in the course 
of their duty, which shall be computed in accordance with prevailing 
circumstances as determined by the local government unit concerned, 
such allowance shall, in no case, be less than One hundred pesos 
(PIOO.OO) per day;
(d) 
Transportation Allowance. - All accredited BHWs, in the performance of 
their official duties, shall be entitled to a transportation allowance of 
not less than One thousand pesos (P1,000.00) per month, subject to 
auditing rules and regulations;
(e) 
One-time Retirement Cash Incentive - An accredited BHW who has 
continuously and satisfactorily served for at least fifteen (15) years shall 
be entitled to a one-time retirement cash incentive of not less than ONE 
HUNDRED thousand pesos (P100,000.00) in recognition of their loyalty 
and dedication, which shall be borne by the municipality or city 
concerned. The provincial government may provide assistance for this 
purpose, in the case of component cities;
(f) 
Training, Education and Career Enrichment Programs. - The DOH shall, 
in coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission 
on Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skills 
Development Authority (TESDA), DOH-recognized academic 
institutions, other concerned agencies, and non-government 
organizations, provide information on and opportunities for education 
and career enrichment for accredited BHWs, such as in the following 
programs:
(1) 
Educational programs which credit the years of primary 
health care service of the BHW towards higher education 
completion in institutions with step ladder curricula thus 
allowing them to upgrade their skills and knowledge for 
community work or to pursue further training as midwives, 
pharmacists, nurses or doctors;
(2) 
Continuing education, study and exposure tours, grants, 
field immersion, and scholarships, among others;
(3) 
Scholarship benefits in the form of tuition fees in state 
colleges, to be granted to one (1) child of every barangay


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health worker who will not be able to take advantage of 
the above programs described in paragraphs (1) and (2) 
hereof; and
(4) Special training programs such as traditional medicine, 
disaster preparedness, and other programs that address 
emergent community health problems and issues.
(g) 
Health Benefits. - All accredited BHWs shall be entitled to the following 
health benefits during their incumbency: 1. Free medical care, including 
surgery and surgical expenses, medicines, x-ray and other laboratory 
fees, when confined in any public hospital or health institution; 2. 
Emergency assistance not exceeding the amount of Five thousand 
pesos (P5,000.00) chargeable against the fund of the barangay 
concerned, for expenses incurred in the nearest private hospital or 
clinic in case of extreme emergency where there is no available public 
hospital; 3. Mandatory and immediate membership in the Philhealth as 
indirect contributors. The LGUs concerned shall also endeavor to 
provide other health benefits to accredited BHWs not otherwise 
provided by law;
(h) 
Insurance Coverage. - Accredited BHWs shall be granted Insurance 
coverage and benefits by the Government Service Insurance System 
(GSIS) which shall be borne by the LGU concerned. For this purpose, 
the GSIS shall design an insurance benefit package suited to the needs 
and unique circumstances of the BHWs;
(i) 
Sick, Vacation, and Maternity Leaves. - All accredited BHWs shall be 
entitled to sick, vacation and maternity leaves as may be prescribed In 
the implementing rules and regulations of this Act: Provided, that, the 
BHWs shall continue to receive their monthly honoraria while on leave, 
for such period In accordance with existing laws and practices.
(j) 
Cash Gift- All accredited BHWs are entitled to a cash gift not less than 
the minimum monthly honorary; to be given every December from the 
general fund of the barangay or from such other funds appropriated by 
the national government for the purpose;
(k) Disability Benefit - An accredited BHW who sustains an injury or falls ill 
in the course of the performance of their duties shall be entitled to Two 
thousand pesos (P2,000,00) for every year of service. Provided, That 
when the BHW sustains permanent disability, the BHW shall be entitled 
to Two thousand pesos (P2,000.00) monthly until his or her death;
(l) 
Civil Service Eligibility. - A first-grade eligibility shall be granted to 
accredited BHWs who have rendered three (3) years continuous service 
as such: Provided, That should a BHW become a regular employee of


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the government, the total number of years served as such shall be 
credited to the HW's service in the computation of retirement benefits.
No person duly accredited as a BMW shall be removed except for a valid 
cause to be determined by the Local Health Board (LHB): Provided, 
That if found to be unjustly removed from service, a BHW shall be 
entitled to reinstatement without loss of benefits and Incentives from 
the time of termination up to the time of his reinstatement. The LHB 
shall resolve termination cases against a BHW judiciously not later than 
ninety (90) days from the receipt of a complaint;
(m) Free Legal Services - Legal representation and consultation services 
shall be immediately provided by the Public Attorney's Office to a BHW 
in cases of coercion, interference, and in other civil and criminal cases 
filed by or against the BHW arising out of or in connection with the 
performance of their duties as such, regardless on whether the BHW is 
considered indigent or not; and
(n) 
Preferential Access to Loan Facilities - The DOH in coordination with 
other concerned government agencies shall provide, within one 
hundred eighty (180) days after the effectivity of this Act, a mechanism 
that shall provide organized BHWs access to loan services. The 
agencies providing loan services will set aside one percent (1%) of their 
loanable funds for organized BHW groups that have community-based 
Income-generating projects in support of health programs or activities.
Section 9. Review by the Local Health Board. - Every Incentive or benefit 
for BHWs requiring expenditure of local funds shall be reviewed and approved by the 
LHB. Such benefits and incentives may be increased, upon review of the LHB, after 
considering, among others, the present Consumer Price Index (CPI) as published by 
the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
Section 10. Discrimination Prohibited. - Discrimination against any BHW 
by reason of gender, civil status, creed, religious or political beliefs and ethnic 
groupings In the exercise of their functions and responsibilities is hereby prohibited.
Section 11. Protection of BHWs. - The municipal, city, provincial 
governments, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) shall 
establish a grievance mechanism as a means of processing complaints of BHWs 
against alleged acts of discrimination and unjust removal from the service. A BHW 
may appeal their grievances to the DILG.
Section 12. Right to Seif-organization. - A BHW shall have the right to 
freely form, join or assist organizations to obtain redress of their grievances through 
peaceful concerted activities, in a manner not contrary to law, and with utmost regard 
to service to patients and the continuous operation of barangay health services in the 
interest of public health, safety, or survival of patients.


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Section 13. Representation in the Locai Heaith Board and Primary 
Heaith Care Provider Network. -The president of the municipal or city association 
of BHWs shall be a member of the municipal or city local health board. The presidents 
of the association of BHWs of each component city and municipality associations of a 
province shall elect from among themselves their representative to the provincial 
health board: Provided, That, the BHW representatives to the health boards shall not 
be allowed to vote on the registration, accreditation and disciplinary or removal 
complaints of BHWs.
The BHWs shall also form part of the health care provider network and shall 
participate in the Implementation of health care services and programs.
Section 14. Continuous Capacity Budding for BHWs. - The DOH shall 
conduct continuous capacity building for BHWs to enhance and upgrade their 
knowledge and skills, including training programs conducted online and in major 
Philippine dialects.
The DOH shall. In coordination with TESDA and other concerned agencies, shall 
also assist the LGUs in the development of education modules or materials that 
highlight the collective experiences and learnings of BHWs and the use of traditional 
and complementary medicine.
The LGUs shall endeavor to establish their own training centers for their BHWs 
and other health workers in coordination with TESDA, NGOs, and other agencies 
concerned.
The LGUs shall also implement a development program for BHWs that will allow 
them to benefit from ladderized training as provided under Republic Act No. 10968, 
otherwise known as the Philippine Qualification Framework Act, and Republic Act No. 
10647, otherwise known as the Ladderized Education Act of 2014, including academic 
credits for health-related courses.
Section 15. Penaity Ciause. - Any local government official who violates any 
provision of this Act may be administratively and criminally charged in accordance with 
the law.
Section 16. Appropriations. -The amount necessary for the implementation 
of this Act shall be charged against the National Tax Allotment (NTA) of the LGUs, 
other local funds, and the special health fund under Republic Act No. 11223 otherwise 
known as the Universal Health Care Act.
Section 17. Impiementing Ruies and Reguiation. - The DOH and the
DILG shall, in consultation with the DepEd, the CSC, the GSIS, and other concerned 
government agencies and nongovernmental entities, promulgate the rules and 
regulations to implement this Act not later than one hundred eighty days (180 days) 
from the effectivity of this Act.


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Section 18. Separability Clause. - If any portion or provision of this Act is 
declared invalid or unconstitutional, other provisions hereof shall remain in full force 
and effect.
Section 19. Repealing Clause. - Republic Act No. 7883 otherwise known as 
the "Barangay Health Workers 'Benefits and Incentives Act of 1995" is hereby 
repeaied. Ail laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations, which are 
inconsistent with this Act are hereby repeaied, or modified accordingly.
Section 20. Effectivity. -This Act shall take effect fifteen days (15) after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a national newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,