EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
Third Regular Session 
)
*22 .IAN 31 A9 55
S.B. No. 2498
lUX
INTRODUCED BY SENATORS LACSON AND SOTTO III
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE MAGNA CARTA OF BARANGAY HEALTH WORKERS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article II Section 15 of the 1987 Constitution enunciates the State Policy to 
"protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill heaith consciousness 
among them". Consistent with this, Section 11 of Article XIII mandates the state to 
"adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to health development which shall 
endeavor to make essential goods, health and other services available to all the people 
at affordable cost".
Pursuant to these, Congress enacted Republic Act No. 7883 otherwise known 
as the "Barangay Health Workers' Benefits and Incentives Act of 1995" which adopted 
Primary Health Care Approach as the major strategy towards health empowerment. 
Emphasizing the need to provide accessible and acceptable health services through 
participatory strategies such as health education training of barangay health workers, 
community building and organizing through providing incentives and benefits to 
Barangay Health Wori<ers.
Section 3 of Republic Act No. 7883 defines a Barangay Health Worker (BHW) 
as a person who has undergone training programs under any accredited government 
and non-government organization and voluntarily renders primary health care 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). Per the agency's records, there are already a total of 196,562 accredited 
BHWs as of 2009.
Twenty seven (27) years since its passage, the law has yet to be fully 
implemented due to reported tack of effective support mechanisms and insufficient 
funds of the local government units as the local heaith budget would depend on the 
priorities given by each local government unit (LGU) to health services and facilities. 
These led to the deplorable state of barangay health programs and services.


The vital role that the BWHs perform in the provision of primary health care to 
the community has been highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic as they continue to 
provide services not limited to the following:
1. First Aid
2. Collection of Vital Statistics
3. Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Services
A. Assistance to Heaith Center Activities
5. Nutrition Education
6. Monitoring and Feeding programs
7. Immunization Education
8. Family Planning Services
9. Sanitation and Hygiene Promotion
10. Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation
Despite the vital role of the Barangay Health Workers amidst the pandemic, 
reports have shown that they have yet to receive enough compensation and training 
to handle the crisis. According to Barangay Health Workers Representative Angelica 
Natasha Co, Barangay Health Workers are mostly female senior citizens who have 
been in service for years. Most of them are considered vulnerable to COVID-19 virus 
as they continually serve at the front lines especially in poor communities. Apart from 
compensation, the Barangay Health Workers need the appropriate training and 
support from the national government to perform their basic functions especially 
during this COVID-19 Pandemic.
Towards this end, the proposed measure seeks to standardize the allowance 
and benefits of the Barangay Heaith Workers by providing minimum amounts each 
worker should be entitled to. Furthermore, the measure seeks to introduce additional 
health benefits such as free medical care, insurance coverage, sick, vacation and 
maternity leaves, cash gift, and disability benefit.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this measure is earnestly
sought.
VICENTE CJ SOTTO III
Senate fresident


S.B. No.
,r.. o:
EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
Third Regular Session 
)
•22 IftN 31 A9 55
2498
IMXI.
INTRODUCED BY SENATORS LACSON AND SOTTO III
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE MAGNA CARTA OF BARANGAY HEALTH WORKERS
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines 
in Congress assembled:
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Section 1. Shot Title - This Act shall be known as the "Magna Carta of
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Barangay Health Workers".
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Section 1. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the
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State to protect and promote the right to health of people and adopt an integrated
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and comprehensive approach to health development. Pursuant thereto, it shall
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endeavor to make essential goods, healthcare, and other social services available to
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all the people. In line with the country's commitment to accompiish heaith indicator
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targets under United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the State shall
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adopt policies that promote the welfare and well-being of barangay heaith workers
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who are the forefront of the delivery of health care at the grassroots level, and which
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shall effectively harness their potential as partners in development.
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Section 3. Definition. - As used in this Act, the term "barangay health
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worker" shall refer to a person who has undergone training under any accredited
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government and non-government organization and who voluntarily renders primary
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healthcare services in the community after having been accredited to function as such
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by the local health board in accordance with the guidelines promulgated by the
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Department of Health (DOH) pursuant to Section 3 of Republic Act No. 7883 otherwise
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known as the "Barangay Health Workers' Benefits and Incentives Act of 1995."
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Provideda barangay health worker shall be considered as a pubiic health worker
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as defined under Republic Act No. 7305 or the Magna Carta of Public Health Workers
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for purposes of receiving any special risk allowance granted to health workers for the
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Covid-19 pandemic, and any other pandemic that may occur hereafter.
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Section 4. Registration. - Barangay health workers (BHWs) shall be
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registered with the locai 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
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registration.


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The municipal and city health offices shall regulariy maintain and update the
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BHW Registry with the assistance of the BHW Federation and shall submit the same
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to the municipal or city health board. The local health offices shall submit a copy of
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their respective updated BHW registry to the Provincial Health Office which shall
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consolidate all registries. Upon the validation of the Provincial BHW Federation, the
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consolidated Provincial Registry shall be submitted to the Provincial Health Board, and
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the same shall be posted in the municipal or city bulletin boards and barangay health
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centers.
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The Provincial BHW Registry shall be submitted on or before April 30 of every
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year to the DOH at the regional and national levels for consolidation. The DOH Is
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hereby mandated to maintain a national register of BHWs.
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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 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.
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Section 5. Accreditation. -To further professionalize the health care services
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rendered by the BHWs and ensure the health and welfare of the community, a duly
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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;
B. 
Have completed in the locality at least two (2) years of continuous 
and satisfactory service immediately prior to the filing of application for 
accreditation;


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C. Have completed 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 LCDs, 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 program within five (5) years from registration.
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The municipal and city health boards or through their registration and
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accreditation committee shall act on the applications for accreditation of BHWs not
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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 Role 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;
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;


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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.
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The DOH shall determine the ratio of barangay health workers according to the
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number of households: Provided, That there shall be at least one (1) BHW for every
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twenty (20) households: Provided, further, That the total number of barangay health
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workers nationwide shall not be less than one percent (1%) of the total population.
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Section 8. Incentives and Benefits. - All BHWs who are actively and
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regularly performing their duties shall be entitled to monthly honoraria in the amount
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of not less than Three thousand pesos (P3,000.00) subject to adjustment based on
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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 all 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 
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.
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 (P1,000.00) per month, subject to 
existing laws, rules, and regulations;


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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. - Ail accredited BHWs, in the performance 
of their official dubes, 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 Ten thousand pesos (Pl0,000.00) 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 
health worker who will not be able to take advantage of 
the above programs described in paragraphs (1) and (2) 
hereof; and


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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 die 
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;
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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 fells 
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.
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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 the government, the total numbers 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 BHW 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


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shall be entitled to reinstatement without loss of benefits and
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incentives from the time of termination up to the time of his
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reinstatement. The LHB shall resolve termination cases against a
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BHW judiciously not later than ninety (90) days from the receipt of a
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complaint.
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m. Free Legal Services • Legal representation and consultation services
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shall be immediately provided by the Public Attorney's Office to a
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BHW in cases of coercion, interference, and in other civil and criminal
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cases filed by or against the BHW arising out of or in connection with
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the performance of their duties as such.
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n. Preferential Access to Loan Facilities -The DOH in coordination with
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other concerned government agencies 
shall provide, 
within one
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hundred eighty (180) days after 
the effectivity of this Act, 
a
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mechanism that shall provide organized BHWs access to loan
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services. The agencies providing loan services will set aside one
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percent (1%) of their loanable funds for organized BHW groups that
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have community-based income generating projects in support of
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health programs or activities.
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Section 9. Review by the Local Health Board. - Every incentive or benefit
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for BHWs requiring expenditure of local funds shall be reviewed and approved by the
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LHB. Such benefits and incentives may be increased, upon review of the LHB, after
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considering, among others, the present Consumer Price Index (CPI) as published by
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the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
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Section 10. Discrimination Prohibits. - Discrimination against any BHW
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by reason of gender, civil status, creed, religious or political beliefs and ethnic
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groupings in the exercise of their functions and responsibilities is hereby prohibited.
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Section 11. Protection of BHWs. - The municipal, city, provincial
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governments and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) shall
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establish a grievance mechanism as a means of processing complaints of BHWs
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against alleged acts of discrimination and unjust removal from the service. A BHW
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may appeal their grievances to the DILG.
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Section 12. Right to Self-organisation. - A BHW shall have the right to
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freely form, join or assist organizations to obtain redress of their grievances through
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peaceful concerted activities, in a manner not contrary to law, and with utmost regard
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to service to patients and the continuous operation of barangay health services in the
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interest of public health, safety, or survival of patients.
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Section 13. Representation in the Local Health Board and Primary
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Health Care Provider Network. -The president of the municipal or city association
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of BHWs shall be a member of the municipal or city local health board. The presidents
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of the association of BHWs of each component city and municipality associations of a
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province shall elect from among themselves their representative to the provincial
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health board: Provided, That, the BHW representatives to the health boards shall not


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be allowed to vote on the registration, accreditation and disciplinary or removal
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complaints of BHWs.
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The BHWs shall also form part of the health care provider network and shall
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participate in the implementation of health care services and programs.
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Section 14. Continuous Capacity Building for BHWs. - The DOH shall
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conduct continuous capacity building for BHWs to enhance and upgrade their
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knowledge and skills, including training programs conducted online and in major
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Philippine dialects.
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The DOH shall, in coordination with TESDA and other concerned agencies, shall
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also assist the LGUs in the development of education modules or materials that
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highlight the collective experiences and learnings of BHWs and the use of traditional
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and complementary medicine.
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The LGUs shall endeavor to establish their own training centers for their-BHWs-
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and other health workers in coordination with TESDA, NGOs, and other agencies
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concerned.
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The LGUs shall also implement a development program for BHWs that will allow
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them to benefit from ladderized training as provided under Republic Act No. 10968,
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otherwise known as the Philippine Qualification Framework Act, and Republic Act No.
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10647, othen/vise known as the Ladderized Education Act of 2014, including academic
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credits for health-related courses.
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Section 15. Penalty Clause. - Any local government official who violates any
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provision of this Act may be administratively and criminally charged in accordance with
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law.
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Section 16. Appropriations. -The amount necessary for the implementation
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of this Act shall be charged against the National Tax Allotment (NTA) of the LGUs,
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Other local funds and the special health fund under Republic Act No. 11223 otherwise
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known as the Universal Health Care Act.
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Section 17. Implementing Rules and Regulation. - The DOH and the
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DILG shall, in consultation with the DepEd, the CSC, the GSIS, and other concerned
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government agencies and nongovernmental entities, promulgate the rules and
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regulations to implement this Act not later than one hundred eighty days (180 days)
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from the effectivity of this Act.
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Section 18. Separability Clause. - If any portion or provision of this Act is
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declared invalid or unconstitutional, other provisions hereof shall remain in full force
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and effect.
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Section 19. Repealing Clause. - Republic Act No. 7883 otherwise known as
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the "Barangay Health Workers 'Benefits and Incentives Act of 1995" is hereby
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repealed. All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations, which are
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inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed, or modified accordingly.


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Section 20. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen days (15) after its
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publication in the Official Gazette or in a national newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,