Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
‘Second Regular Session

6120

House Bill No.

Introduced by Representatives John Marvin “Yul Servo” Nieto and Edward Vera Perez
Maceda

EXPLANATORY NOTE

As a manifestation of support to this timely piece of legislation, this representation
respectfully refiles this bill.

The “Volunteer Protection Act” will encourage people to participate in public and
other civic affairs by eliminating the fear of being subsequently punished for any possible
unintentional harm they could inflict unto others.

Moreover, this bill seeks to promote and strengthen volunteerism in the country by
protecting volunteers from liability in providing reasonable assistance as long as they were
acting in an emergency. This also serves as a strategy towards the sustainable development of
the state as it takes advantage of available human capital while honoring the Filipino tradition
of bayanihan.

Hence, it is upon us, as legislators, to encourage volunteerism by giving our
volunteers protection from liabilities through the passage of this bill, subject to exceptions

provided herein.
son Cre Maceda

Representative, 4" District of Manila



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS,
Second Regular Session

House Bill No. 6120

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Introduced by Representatives John Marvin “Yul Servo” Nieto and Edward Vera Perez
Maceda

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ANACT
ENCOURAGING VOLUNTEERISM DURING EMERGENCIES BY PROTECTING
VOLUNTEERS FROM LIABILITY

Be ut 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 "Volunteer Protection

bavanihan to foster socal justice, solidarity and sustainable development Towards this end,
the State shall encourage individuals to volunteer and provide reasonable assistance during
emergencies by protecting them from liability,

See. 3. Definitions, - For purposes of this Act

(1) "Volunteer" refers to an individual who provide reasonable assistance in an
emergency and does not receive compensation,

(2) "Emergency" shall refer to a situation requiring immediate attention and remedial
petoay volving @ sudden, unexpected, and impending threat to life, health, or safety of a
person.

Sec. 4. Liability Protection for Volunteers. - No volunteer shall be liable for harm
caused by an act or omission if:

(1) The volunteer was acting in an emergency atthe time of the act or omission;


(2) If appropriate or required, the volunteer was properly licensed, certified, or
authorized by the appropriate authorities for the activities undertaken in an emergency
at the time of the act of Omission; and

(3) The harm was not caused by willful or criminal misconduct, gross negligence,
reckless misconduct, or a conscious, flagrant indifference to the rights or safety of the
individual harmed by the volunteer.

Sec. 5. Exceptions. - The liability protection for volunteers under this Act shall not
apply to misconduct that:

(1) constitutes a crime; or

(2) was performed under the influence of intoxicating alcohol or any dangerous drug
at the time of the misconduct;

Sec. 6. Separability Clause. - If any Portion or provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provision not affected thereby shall remain
in force and effect.

Sec. 7. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations, or other
issuances or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or
modified accordingly.

Sec. 8. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following the
completion of its publication either in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general
circulation in the Philippines.

Approved.