NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE 
S. No. 
6
‘..j, V. JDffiC"' of 
.•r,T';>
24 APR 17 P4 54
RLTcIv’O BV.
/
Introduced by Senator Loren B. Legarda
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE MAGNA CARTA OF WASTE WORKERS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Waste management is a critical aspect of public health and environmental 
sustainability, and waste workers play a vital role in ensuring the proper collection, 
disposal, and recycling of waste materials.
In the Philippines, waste workers are divided into formal and informal sectors. 
Formal waste workers are those employed by government agencies, private 
companies, or cooperatives, while informal waste workers, commonly referred to as 
"waste pickers" or "scavengers," operate independently or as part of small groups, 
often without formal employment contracts or legal recognition.
Both formal and informal waste workers face numerous challenges, including 
low wages, lack of job security, exposure to hazardous materials, and limited access 
to social protection and healthcare services. Despite their indispensable role in waste 
management, waste workers are often marginalized and face discrimination and 
stigma due to the informal nature of their work.
Given the significant contributions and vulnerabilities of both formal and 
informal waste workers, there is a pressing need for a Magna Carta or comprehensive


legislation to protect their rights, improve their working conditions, and integrate 
them into formal waste management systems.
A Magna Carta for waste workers would not only safeguard their rights and 
well-being but also contribute to the development of a more inclusive, sustainable, 
and equitable waste management system in the Philippines. It would recognize the 
dignity and value of waste workers' labor and empower them to lead healthier, more 
secure lives while contributing to environmental conservation and community 
resilience.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this measure is earnestly sought.


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE 
s. No. 2636
of til.':?■' ■ .'t.V"
24 APR 17 P4
Introduced by Senator Loren B. Legarda
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE MAGNA CARTA OF WASTE WORKERS
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled:
1
2
TITLE I
GENERAL PROVISIONS
3
4
CHAPTER I 
BASIC PRINCIPLE
5 
SECTION 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known as the "Magna Carta of Waste
6 
Workers."
7 
SEC 2. Declaration of Policy. In recognition of the vital role played by Waste
8 
Workers in preserving public health, environmental sustainability, and the overall
9 
well-being of our communities, the State shall endeavor to develop plans, policies,
10 
programs, measures, and mechanisms rooted in principles of fairness and social
11 
justice, safeguarding the rights and dignity of Waste Workers. These policies shall
12 
seek to empower and create a conducive and safe working environment for those
13 
engaged in the critical task of waste management.
14 
The State, shall give an assurance of the inherent right of Waste Workers to a
15 
work environment that preserves their dignity, safety, and well-being.
1


1 
Discrimination, harassment, or exploitation in any form shall be unequivocally
2 
condemned. Moreover, Waste Workers shall be entitled to fair compensation
3 
reflective of their responsibilities, skills, and the hazardous nature of their work,
4 
accompanied by comprehensive benefits that prioritize their health and safety.
5 
The State, acknowledging the unique challenges of the job, shall emphasize the
6 
importance of establishing and enforcing robust occupational health and safety
7 
standards. Adequate training, provision of protective gear, and access to medical
8 
support are essential components of ensuring the overall welfare of Waste Workers.
9 
R.A. 6969 or Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of
10 
1990, Section 4, provides that one of the objectives of the Act is to give specific
11 
attention to active implementation and monitoring. And period reviews shall be
12 
directed towards the management of hazardous waste, with the implementation of
13 
stringent measures and specialized training to mitigate associated risks.
14 
The State, beyond individual well-being, shall place a spotlight on advocacy
15 
and awareness through state-funded training and education regarding the proper
16 
handling, segregation and disposal of solid waste which is in line with Article 3
17 
Section 23 of R.A. 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2003, and
18 
the identification and handling of hazardous and toxic chemicals and substances
19 
including but not limited to residual and healthcare wastes. Collaborative efforts
20 
involving the government, civil society, and the private sector aim to raise public
21 
awareness about the vital contributions of Waste Workers and foster a culture of
22 
respect for their profession. Simultaneously, Waste Workers shall be positioned as
23 
advocates for sustainable waste management practices, playing a crucial role in
24 
promoting waste reduction and diversion initiatives.
25 
The State, in the implementation and monitoring, shall establish mechanisms
26 
to ensure the effective enforcement of this Act. A dedicated government body shall
27 
oversee compliance with its provisions, addressing any violations promptly. There
28 
shall be regular assessments of working conditions, benefits, and overall well-being
29 
of Waste Workers conducted, with policy adjustments made as necessary to address
30 
emerging challenges.
31 
SEC 3. Coverage. The provisions of this law shall apply to all persons employed,
32 
contracted or engaged, and all those economically dependent from the marginalized


1 
sectors, in activities on the management, collection, transportation, processing and
2 
disposal of solid wastes, hazardous wastes, and toxic chemicals and substances
3 
including but not limited to residual and healthcare wastes.
4
5
CHAPTER II 
DEFINITION OF TERMS
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SEC 4. Definitions. For purposes of this Magna Carta, the following terms shall
mean:
(a) 
Waste Workers shall include all persons in the marginalized sectors 
whose livelihood is dependent on waste management, collection, 
transportation, processing, and disposal, including but not limited to, 
garbage collectors, waste pickers, segregators and recyclers.
Regardless of whether employed by the government or private sector, 
contracted for services, or belonging to the informal waste sector, the 
determination of being a waste worker, for the purposes of this Act, shall 
lie on the nature of their livelihood, and their inclusion to the 
disadvantaged, and vulnerable groups who are mostly living in poverty 
and have little or no access to basic resources, social and economic 
services such as health care, education, housing security, and the justice 
system.
(b) 
Rights and benefits shall refer to all rights and benefits accorded to 
workers by the 1987 Philippine Constitution, Presidential Decree No. 
442 or the Labor Code of the Philippines, and relevant local and 
international human rights instruments and labor standards. These refer 
to the rights and benefits that the State shall guarantee to all workers.
(c) 
Government refers to entities established by the government or 
government-operated services and facilities, which may include 
departments, agencies, authorities, training institutions, and local 
government units that work on the protection and welfare of Waste 
Workers.


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(d) 
Private sector refers to persons, partnerships, corporations, firms, or 
associations privately owned and established, whether or not organized 
for profit, that privately run waste management system.
(e) 
Informal sector refers to the individuals and families who are 
independent, neither organized, contracted, financed, managed, nor 
reported upon by the governmental authorities.
(f) 
Self-organization refers to the act of forming, joining and/or assisting 
organizations or associations, not contrary to law, in order to promote, 
defend, and/or protect their mutual interests and/or extend mutual aid.
10
11
TITLE II
RIGHTS AND PROTECTION OF WASTE WORKERS
12
13
CHAPTER I
COMMON PROVISIONS
14 
SEC 5. Right to Decent Work. The State shall progressively realize and ensure
15 
decent work standards for Waste Workers that are just and centered on the rights of
16 
the Waste Workers. The State shall further ensure protection from occupational and
17 
health hazards, and support services that will promote and fulfill the rights of Waste
18 
Workers. Decent work involves job security, social protection, work opportunities that
19 
provide for just and humane compensation, and a safe working environment, which
20 
includes safe equipment, policies, and procedures.
21 
SEC 6. Right to Participation and Information. All waste workers have the right to
22 
participate, as well as decide, and access information relating to policies on Waste
23 
Workers that affect their lives and well-being, including but not limited to programs,
24 
projects, training, and workshops. Waste workers shall have the right to participate
25 
actively and meaningfully in decisions that affect their work, health, and welfare.
26 
Participation shall encompass involvement in the formulation, implementation, and
27 
evaluation of policies, regulations, and practices related to waste management.
28 
Acknowledging the critical importance of workers' participation, it is
29 
mandated that waste workers be represented in both the City or Municipality Solid


1 
Waste Management Board (SWM Board) and the Barangay Solid Waste Management
2 
Board (BSW Board), governed by the following guidelines:
3 
a) At least one seat in the SWM Board shall be allocated for a
4 
representative(s) of waste workers directly involved in solid waste
5 
management activities within the jurisdiction.
6 
b) The waste worker representative(s) shall be selected through a
7 
transparent and inclusive process.
8 
c) The waste worker representative(s) shall report back to their respective
9 
constituencies on SWM Board activities, decisions, and outcomes.
10 
d) The SWM Board shall periodically review the effectiveness of worker
11 
representation and make adjustments as necessary to ensure meaningful
12 
participation and accountability.
13 
SEC 7. Social Protection. The State shall ensure that all Waste Workers are
14 
afforded with Social Security System (SSS) or Government Service Insurance System
15 
(GSIS), as the case may be. Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-Ibig), and
16 
Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).
17 
SEC 8. Right to Recognition. The State, private sector, society in general, and all
18 
individuals shall actively work towards the recognition, respect, and promotion of the
19 
rights of Waste Workers defined and guaranteed under this Act.
20 
SEC 9. Protection from Discriminator}/ Acts. Waste Workers shall not be subjected
21 
to any form of discrimination. Any person who shall discriminate against Waste
22 
Workers shall be guilty of discrimination acts and shall suffer a penalty of arresto
23 
mayor in its maximum period and/or a fine of not less than fifty thousand pesos
24 
(P50,000), but not more than One hundred fifty thousand pesos (P150,000), at the
25 
discretion of the court.
26 
SEC 10. Hazard Allowance. Waste Workers, who are exposed to health and
27 
occupational hazards or elements involving high risk of perils to life, limbs, or likely
28 
deterioration of health shall be compensated with hazard allowance.
29 
SEC 11. Annual Medical, Dental, Mental, and Psychosocial Examination. Waste
30 
workers shall be provided with annual medical services including but not limited to
31 
physical, dental, mental, and psychosocial examinations.


1 
SEC 12. Personal Protective Equipment, Vaccination, and Other Prophylaxis. Waste
2 
Workers, as frontliners of solid waste management, shall be provided with
3 
appropriate personal protective equipment, free vaccinations, multivitamins, and
4 
other prophylaxis medicines against common and present diseases.
5 
SEC 13. Occupational Health and Safety Standards Program. The State shall take
6 
measures to establish, organize, and maintain an occupational health program for all
7 
Waste Workers.
8
9
CHAPTER II
WASTE WORKERS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR
10 
SEC 14. Minimum wage. Waste workers shall be paid no less than the minimum
11 
wage for non-agricultural workers set by the Regional Tripartite Wages and
12 
Productivity Board in their respective regions. Payment of wages shall be made at
13 
least once every two (2) weeks or twice a month at intervals not exceeding sixteen
14 
days. Except in cases of force majeure or circumstances beyond the employer's control,
15 
no employer shall make payment with less frequency than once a month. The
16 
employer shall pay the wages immediately after such force majeure or circumstances
17 
have ceased.
18 
SEC 15. Work Days and Work Hours. The normal hours of work of Waste
19 
Workers should not exceed eight (8) hours per day for five (5) days a week, including
20 
Saturdays. If their work hours fall between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., they are entitled
21 
to night shift differential pay of not less than ten percent (10%) of their regular wage
22 
for each hour of work in addition to their pay for regular work hours.
23 
SEC 16. Overtime Pay. A Waste Worker who performs work beyond eight (8)
24 
hours a day shall be paid with additional compensation of overtime pay equivalent to
25 
his regular wage plus at least twenty-five percent (25%) thereof. Work performed
26 
beyond eight hours on a holiday or rest day shall be paid an additional compensation
27 
equivalent to the rate of the first eight hours on a holiday or rest day plus at least thirty
28 
percent (30%) thereof.


1 
SEC 17. Holiday Pay. Where a Waste Worker is made or permitted to work on
2 
his or her scheduled rest day, he or she shall be paid an additional compensation of at
3 
least thirty percent (30%) of his or her regular wage.
4 
The Waste Worker may be required by his or her employer to work on a regular
5 
holiday but he or she shall be paid a compensation twice his or her regular rate. For
6 
the purpose of this paragraph, "holiday" shall mean any of the days enumerated
7 
under Para. C, Art. 94 of the Labor Code of the Philippines.
8 
Work performed on any special holiday shall be paid an additional
9 
compensation of at least thirty percent (30%) of the regular wage of the employee.
10 
Where such holiday work falls on the employee's scheduled rest day, he or she shall
11 
be entitled to an additional compensation of at least fifty percent (50%) of his regular
12 
wage.
13 
Where the collective bargaining agreement or other applicable employment
14 
contract stipulates the payment of a higher premium pay than that prescribed under
15 
this Section, the employer shall pay such a higher rate.
16 
SEC 18. Enforcement of Labor Laws. All other relevant provisions including but
17 
not limited to conditions of employment, health, safety and social welfare, labor
18 
relations, and post-employment set forth by Presidential Decree No. 442 or the Labor
19 
Code of the Philippines and Presidential Decree 851 shall apply to Waste Workers.
20 
SEC 19. Health Services. Waste Workers shall have access to comprehensive
21 
health services provided by a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), which covers
22 
hospitalization and regular medical check-ups in accredited hospitals, medical
23 
facilities, and clinics.
24 
SEC 20. Security of Tenure. No Waste Worker can be dismissed from work
25 
except for a just or authorized cause, and only after due process.
26 
SEC 21. Independent Waste Worker Organization. Waste Workers have the right
27 
to self-organization, to form or join a legitimate worker's union, free from interference
28 
of their employer or the government in order to promote, defend, and protect their
29 
mutual interests and/or extend mutual aid. All Waste Workers may join a union for
30 
the purpose of collective bargaining and are eligible for union membership on the first
31 
day of their employment.


1 
SEC 22. Non-Abridgement of the Right to Self-Organization. No person shall be
2 
allowed to restrain, coerce, or unduly interfere with the Waste Workers in the exercise
3 
of their right to self-organization in accordance with law.
4 
It shall be unlawful for any person to commit the following acts of restraint,
5 
coercion, or undue interference:
6 
a) To prevent a Waste Worker from carrying out his or her duties in his
7 
organization or association;
8 
b) To discriminate in hiring a Waste Worker or setting unfavorable
9 
conditions upon him or her to discourage him or her from membership
10 
in any organization or association;
11 
c) To require as a condition of employment that a Waste Worker must not
12 
join any organization or association;
13 
d) To interfere in the functioning and administration of the organization or
14 
association.
15 
SEC 23. Transportation, Communication, and Subsistence Allozvance. Waste
16 
Workers who are required to render service in the field during emergencies and
17 
disasters in order to make their services available at any time shall be entitled to a full
18 
subsistence allowance of three (3) meals which may be computed under prevailing
19 
circumstances.
20 
SEC 24. Longevity Pay. A monthly longevity pay equivalent to five percent (5%)
21 
of the monthly basic pay shall be paid to a Waste Worker for every five (5) years of
22 
continuous, effective, and meritorious services rendered as certified by the immediate
23 
supervisor concerned.
24 
SEC 25. Laundry Allowance. Waste Workers who are required to wear uniforms
25 
regularly shall be entitled to a laundry allowance equivalent to One Hundred Fifty
26 
(150) Pesos per month, to be effective from the date of enactment of this law. The
27 
Laundry compensation or allowance shall be adjusted annually based on the
28 
Consumer Price Index to account for inflation.
29 
SEC 26. Hazard Allowance. Waste Workers in the private sector, who are
30 
exposed to health and occupational hazards or elements involving a high risk of perils
31 
to life, limbs, or likely deterioration of health shall be compensated with hazard
32 
allowance.
8


1
2
CHAPTER III
WASTE WORKERS IN THE GOVERNMENT
3 
SEC 17. Coverage. This Chapter shall apply to all persons rendering services in
4 
the Government for compensation, regardless of status of employment and/or
5 
engaged or contracted for services.
6 
SEC 28. Right to self-organization. Waste Workers of government corporations
7 
established under the Corporation Code shall have the right to organize and to
8 
bargain collectively with their respective employers. All other employees in the civil
9 
service shall have the right to form associations for purposes not contrary to law.
10 
SEC 29. Health Care System. Every Waste Worker shall be guaranteed with a
11 
health care delivery system and access to public or private primary care provider of
12 
choice. The respective LGU shall establish a program and promulgate guidelines for
13 
the availment of health care benefits.
14 
SEC 30. Financial Assistance. The Local Government Unit shall endeavor to
15 
provide assistance to Waste Workers in crisis situation including but not limited to,
16 
medical assistance, burial, transportation, education, food, or financial assistance for
17 
other support services or needs of a Waste Worker or family.
18 
SEC 31. Cash Incentive. In recognition of the contribution of Waste Workers to
19 
public health and safety, the environment, and local economy, the Local Government
20 
Unit shall grant an annual cash incentive for all Waste Workers without distinction.
21 
SEC 32. Socialized Housing Program. The Local Government Unit shall, in the
22 
implementation and development socialized housing program, ensure that Waste
23 
Workers who are able to qualify under the guidelines shall be included as target
24 
beneficiaries.
25 
SEC 33. Hazard Allowance. Waste Workers in the government Sector, who are
26 
exposed to health and occupational hazards or elements involving a high risk of perils
27 
to life, limbs, or likely deterioration of health shall be compensated with hazard
28 
allowance.
29
CHAPTER IV


1 
INFORMAL WASTE WORKER SECTOR
2 
Waste Workers in the informal sector are hereby guaranteed all civil, political,
3 
social and economic rights recognized, promoted and protected under existing laws,
4 
including, but not limited to. Article II, Section 9 of the 1987 Constitution, the Republic
5 
Act No. 8425, otherwise known as the Social Reform and Poverty Alleviation Act, and
6 
Republic Act No. 7875, otherwise known as the National Health Insurance Act.
7 
SEC 34. Formalization of Waste Workers. Waste Workers in the informal sector
8 
shall have the right to form or join an association of waste workers for purposes not
9 
contrary to law, and to promote, defend, and protect their mutual interests and/or to
10 
extend mutual aid.
11 
SEC 35. Recognition of Informal Waste Workers Organization. The organizations or
12 
associations founded, formed, and established by Waste Workers in the informal
13 
sector shall be registered with the Department of Labor and Employment.
14 
SEC 36. Social Protection and Inclusion. The Department of Labor and
15 
Employment, in consultation with the Department of Environment and Natural
16 
Resources, Department of Health, Commission on Human Rights, and the Local
17 
Government Units, shall develop programs for the informal sector of Waste Workers
18 
and ensure their access to medical assistance, burial, transportation, education, food,
19 
or financial assistance for other support services or needs.
20
21
TITLE III
PARTICIPATION OF GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
22 
SEC 37. Role of DOLE and the Local Government Units. The local government
23 
units shall be charged with the implementation of this Act in their respective localities,
24 
in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment. It shall be the
25 
responsibility of the LGU to:
26 
a) Ensure the proper enforcement of labor standards, occupational safety,
27 
and health regulations, as well as other pertinent laws and policies
28 
related to Waste Workers within their jurisdiction. The LGU shall also
29 
assist waste workers in their registration with DOLE;
10


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b) Establish local mechanisms to monitor and address issues related to 
Waste Workers, including but not limited to, workplace safety, social 
protection, and access to training and skills development programs;
c) Submit periodic reports to the DOLE on the status of Waste Workers 
within their jurisdictions, outlining the measures taken to address issues 
related to employment and working conditions;
d) Advocate for the inclusion of Waste Workers in social protection 
programs, working with DOLE to explore avenues for health insurance, 
retirement benefits, and other welfare initiatives.
e) Implementation of barangay and municipality practices on Solid Waste 
Management;
f) Drafting and Implementation of 10-year plans on Solid Waste 
Management and Disposal;
g) Equip the Waste Workers directly dealing with waste with personal 
protective equipment, and other necessary resources to ensure 
protection from hazards brought about by handling waste;
h) Submit periodic reports to the DENR on the status of the 
implementation of the Solid Waste Management and Disposal to 
address issues and concerns related to waste management and disposal;
i) Ensure inclusion and active participation of Waste Workers groups or 
associations in governing bodies or councils responsible for waste 
management oversight.
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The DOLE shall:
a) Establish guidelines and mechanisms for coordination in overseeing the 
working conditions, rights, and benefits of Waste Workers;
b) Provide technical assistance to LGUs in the formulation and 
implementation of programs and initiatives aimed at improving the 
welfare of Waste Workers;
c) Conduct capacity-building programs for local authorities, waste 
management agencies, and other relevant stakeholders;
11


1 
d) Enhance employment opportunities through trade policies and skill
2 
building;
3 
e) Establish guidelines and mechanisms for the application of the
4 
occupational health and safety regulations as well as the regular
5 
reporting of the working conditions of the Waste Workers;
6 
f) Promulgate the basis for the adjustment of monetary allowances based
7 
on the annual inflation;
8 
g) Assist the LGUs in providing necessary training to the collectors and
9 
personnel in accordance with the waste management plan of the LGUs.
10 
SEC 38. Role ofDSWD. The Department of Social Welfare and Development
11 
shall be in charge of the social protection of the Waste Workers through:
12 
a) Adoption of Social Insurance Policy which aims to mitigate income risks
13 
by applying diversification, a risk management technique through a
14 
shared fund. This includes programs for micro-insurance payment that
15 
will help shield the Waste Workers from the unforeseeable risk of
16 
unemployment due to sickness, retrenchment, national security issues,
17 
and national health issues;
18 
b) Provision of resources and basic minimum requirements to the
19 
marginalized sector to aid in the employment as Waste Workers. This
20 
shall include assistance programs through cash or in-kind transfers as
21 
well as alternative care and referral services;
22 
c) Provision of Social Safety Nets to respond to urgent issues like disasters,
23 
calamities, economic shocks, pandemics and epidemics that will affect
24 
the vulnerable part of the waste workforce. These measures include
25 
emergency assistance, price subsidies, food programs, employment
26 
programs in partnership with DOLE, retraining programs and
27 
emergency loans, and health assistance;
28 
The DSWD, in partnership with the Barangay and Municipal Officials, shall
29 
maintain national and regional profiles of beneficiaries of the programs to be shared
30 
with the appropriate stakeholders to assess the applicability and the development of
31 
comprehensive statistics for Waste Workers.
12


1 
SEC 39. Role ofDENR. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources
2 
shall be responsible to:
3 
a) Ensure that the Solid Waste Management and Disposal plans of the
4 
LGUs are properly implemented, as per Republic Act 9003;
5 
b) Conduct capacity building with the Waste Workers, LGUs, waste
6 
management agencies, and other relevant stakeholders on the
7 
assessment of the impact of Waste Workers on climate change.
8 
c) Conduct seminars and workshops on the proper waste management
9 
and disposal to help minimize environmental effects specifically climate
10 
change;
11 
d) Provide technical assistance to LGUs in identifying and implementing
12 
best practices on the conduct of work of Waste Workers that minimizes
13 
environmental effects;
14 
e) Identify areas with a high risk of adverse environmental effects of waste
15 
and implement a mitigation plan through the aid of Waste Workers; and
16 
f) Provide economic incentives and assistance to local governments for
17 
their waste reduction, sustainable waste management, safe disposal,
18 
and recycling initiatives.
19 
SEC 40. Role of TESDA. The Technical Education and Skills Development
20 
Authority shall:
21 
a) Adopt a training program for the proper waste collection, recovery, and
22 
safe handling and disposal of wastes as per Republic Act No. 9003 or the
23 
Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000;
24 
b) Certify and accredit technical and vocational education and training
25 
programs for waste workers to ensure that they receive recognized
26 
qualifications for their knowledge and skills, and to improve their
27 
employability and working conditions. For this purpose, TESDA shall
28 
develop training curricula to meet the demands of various industries for
29 
waste workers; and
30 
c) Collaborate with various stakeholders, including government agencies,
31 
industry partners, and educational institutions to provide an effective
32 
training and development of framework for waste workers.
13


1 
SEC 41. Role of the Department of Health. The Department of Health shall:
2 
a) Provide for health programs, services, and facilities for waste workers
3 
as may be needed, subject to availability of funds and administrative
4 
rules and regulations - including, but not limited to:
5 
i. 
Vaccinations;
6 
ii. 
Anti Tetanus shots;
7 
iii. 
Periodic health check-up;
8 
iv. 
Annual Physical Examinations;
9 
V. 
Provision of Supplements and necessary medicines.
10 
b) Coordinate or collaborate with, and assist local communities, agencies
11 
and interested groups in the implementation of programs catered for
12 
waste workers.
13 
c) Collect, analyze and disseminate statistical and other relevant
14 
information on the waste worker's health situation, and to revise the
15 
Department's programs based on the outcome of the statistics; and
16 
d) Propagate health information and educate the waste workers on health
17 
hazards and environmental impacts to their health, geared to prevent
18 
health related problems while performing their duties.
19 
SEC 42. Role of the Public Attorney's Office. The Public Attorney's Office (PAO)
20 
shall have the following responsibilities:
21 
a) Provide waste workers with free access to courts, judicial, and quasi-
22 
judicial agencies by ensuring that they receive adequate legal
23 
representation, counseling, and 
assistance;
24 
b) Waste workers who encounter legal issues related to their employment,
25 
working conditions, or rights violations shall have the right to seek
26 
assistance from PAO, which shall endeavor to provide timely and
27 
effective support;
28 
c) Offer counseling and assistance to waste workers through personalized
29 
legal support and guidance, and empower waste workers to assert their
30 
rights and seek redress for any injustices or grievances they may face in
31 
the course of their work;
32 
d) Conduct awareness campaigns and outreach programs targeted at
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waste workers, ensuring that they are informed about their legal 
entitlements and the services available to them through PAO; and
e) Collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, 
non-governmental organizations, and legal advocacy groups, to address 
systemic issues affecting waste workers and advocate for policy reforms 
that uphold their rights and welfare; and
f) Provide waste workers with legal assistance and representation during 
mediation and arbitration proceedings aimed at resolving labor 
disputes.
10
11
TITLE IV
FINAL PROVISIONS
12 
SEC 43. Implementing Rules and Regulations. The Secretary of the Environment
13 
and Natural Resources, after consultation with the participating Government agencies
14 
as specified in Title III of this Act, as well as professional and environment and natural
15 
resources workers' organizations or unions, shall formulate and prepare the necessary
16 
rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act. Rules and regulations
17 
issued pursuant to this Section shall take effect thirty (30) days after publication in a
18 
newspaper of general circulation.
19 
SEC 44. Special Treatment for Benefits of Waste Workers. All benefits received by a
20 
Waste Worker under this law, including but not limited to, benefits given to rank-and-
21 
file employees, whether granted under a collective bargaining agreement or not,
22 
fringe benefits, and de minimis benefits, are not taxable pursuant to Section 33 (C)(3)
23 
of the Republic Act 8424 (Tax Reform Act of 1997).
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SEC 45. Waste Workers Appreciation Day. It is hereby declared that the last
25 
Sunday of January of every year as Waste Workers Appreciation Day in recognition
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of the invaluable contributions made by our waste workers to keep our communities
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clean and safe.
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SEC 46. Penalties. Any person or group who shall willfully interfere with,
29 
restrain or coerce any Waste Worker in the exercise of their rights guaranteed by this
15


1 
Act or who shall in any other manner commit any act to defeat any of the provisions
2 
of this Act shall, upon conviction, be held liable under this Act.
3 
SEC 47. Appropriations/Funding. The initial funding requirements for the
4 
implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current appropriations of the
5 
agencies concerned. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the
6 
implementation of this Act shall be included in the agencies' yearly budgets under the
7 
General Appropriations Act.
8 
SEC 48. Separability Clause. If any provision of this Act is declared invalid, the
9 
remainder of this Act or any provisions not affected thereby shall remain in force and
10 
in effect.
11 
SEC 49. Repealing Clause. Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive
12 
order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule, or regulation contrary to, or
13 
inconsistent with, the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified, or amended
14 
accordingly.
15 
SEC 50. Effectivity Clause. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
16 
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation
17 
Approved,
16