EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Third Regular Session
SENATE
s. B. No. 2398
time:
RECEIVED
, ______________
E-FILED ^2 
Sept 14 20^17
iCP ____3:05 p.m. <A
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR CHRISTOPHER LAWRENCE "BONG" T. GO
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR ALLOWANCES AND BENEFITS FOR HEALTHCARE 
WORKERS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic has led to a considerable loss of 
human life worldwide and presents an out of ordinary challenge to the health care 
system, both public and private. As the coronavirus continuously spreads around the 
world and the number of infections and deaths proliferate, we see emerging 
healthcare workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic response, selflessly 
take lifesaving work against the virus.
Millions of medical frontliners have faced the challenge of providing care for 
patients with COVID-19, while often ill-equipped and poorly prepared, risking their 
own lives to save the lives of others. They are the most essential aspect of the 
response and the country is forever honored for their dedication, professionalism and 
commitment.
INDEX
As healthcare workers continue their lifesaving work, it is incumbent upon us 
to show our gratitude by providing them allowances and benefits that may improve 
the financial situation of both our public and private healthcare workers. They should


not be made to indefinitely bear the pressure of fighting a deadly virus without 
adequate compensation.
This bill provides allowances and benefits to healthcare workers during the 
existence of the state of public health emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
SENATOR CHRISTOPHER LAWRENCE "BONG" T. GO


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Third Regular Session
)
SENATE
s. B. No. 2398
- 1HE
<^.0<:hrnr»,rn^<;
00 TVMPV. 3:05 p.m.
;5o E-FILED 
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INTRODUCED BY SENATOR CHRISTOPHER LAWRENCE "BONG" T. GO
IKfDEX
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR ALLOWANCES AND BENEFITS FOR HEALTHCARE 
WORKERS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines 
in Congress assembled:
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SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Allowances and 
Benefits for Healthcare Workers Act of 2021."
SEC 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State 
to ensure that the general welfare of Filipino healthcare workers is promoted through 
adequate compensation and benefits commensurate to their educational attainment 
and the services they provide, which are critical to the promotion of health, disease 
prevenbon, and health care services delivery.
SEC 3. Coverage. — The provisions and benefits provided under this Act 
shall be given to all healthcare workers who are engaged in health and health-related 
work in health facilities during the state of public health emergency due to the COVID- 
19 pandemic as declared by the President of the Philippines. Healthcare workers shall 
include medical, allied health professional, administrative and support personnel, 
employed regardless of their employment status.


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SEC 4. Allowances and Benefits. - The following shall be provided to all 
healthcare workers covered under Section 3 of this Act:
(a) A Fixed monthly COVID-19 special risk allowance for every month that they 
are serving during the state of national emergency as declared by the 
President: Provided, That the COVlD-19 special risk allowance of public 
health workers shall be in addition to the hazard pay granted under Republic 
Act No. 7305 or the "Magna Carta of Public Health Workers";
(b) Active Hazard Duty Pay exclusively for public health workers for every 
month that they are serving during the state of national emergency as 
declared by the President: Provided, That the Active Hazard Duty shall be 
in addition to the hazard pay granted under Republic Act No. 7305 or the 
"Magna Carta of Public Health Workers";
(c) Assumption of all medical expenses by the Philippine Health Insurance 
Corporation in case of exposure to COVID-19 or any work-related injury or 
disease;
(d) Provision of compensation to public and private healthcare workers who 
have contracted COVID-19 in the line of duty, with the following amounts, 
upon submission of required documents to support claims:
(1) In case of death of the health worker. One million pesos (P1,000,000) 
shall be provided to the heirs of the health worker;
(2) In case of sickness, for a severe or critical case. One hundred thousand 
pesos (P100,000) shall be provided to the health worker; and
(3) In case of sickness, for a mild or moderate case, Rfteen thousand pesos 
(P15,000) shall be provided to the health worker;
(e) Provision of life insurance, accommodation, transportation, and meals, or 
their cash equivalent.
TTie provision of the foregoing benefits shall have retroactive application from 
July 1, 2021, and shall be exempt from income tax.
SEC 5. Appropriation. The amount necessary for the implementation of this 
Act shall be charged against the current year available appropriations of the


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Department of Health and/or the current year's Miscellaneous Personnel Benefit Fund, 
and any sources available as may be identified by DBM. Thereafter, the amount 
necessary for its continuous implementation shall be included in the Annual General 
Appropriations.
SEC 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within thirty days (30) 
days from the effectivity of this Act, the Department of Health and the Department of 
Budget and Management, in consultation with other government agencies and 
concerned stakeholders, shall issue the rules and regulations necessary to effectively 
implement the provisions of this Act.
SEC 7. Separability Clause. - If any provision is held invalid or 
unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or provision not otherwise affected shall 
remain valid and subsisting.
SEC 8. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, 
executive order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule, or regulation contrary 
to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified, or 
amended accordingly.
SEC 9. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after 
IS publication in at least two (2) newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,