Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
4967

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Hon. John Marvin “Yul Servo” C. Nieto

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.

Joh jin//Yul Servo” Nieto


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
4967
HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Hon. John Marvin “Yul Servo” C. Nieto

AN ACT
ENCOURAGING VOLUNTEERISM DURING EMERGENCIES BY PROTECTING
VOLUNTEERS FROM LIABILITY

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 "Volunteer
Protection Act."

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It shall be the policy of the State to promote
the participation of Filipino citizens in public and civic affairs and strengthen the
practice of volunteerism as a strategy in order to attain national development. The
inculcation of volunteerism as a way of life rekindle in every Filipino the time-
honored tradition of bayanihan to foster social 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,
Sec. 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 action involving a 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 at the 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.