Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon Gity, Aieteo Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

7784

House Bill No.

INTRODUCED BY
REP. ALFRED VARGAS

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE INCREASE IN SALARY RATE OF ALL NURSES
AND MEDICAL WORKERS IN ALL PRIVATE HOSPITALS
AND HEALTH INSTITUTIONS

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected families and economies
worldwide. But countries are able to build back better and move forward
with the help of the noble health workers both from the public and the
private sector.

Recognizing the critical role of nurses and medical workers during
public health emergencies, the Department of Labor and Employment has
strongly recommended an increase in the salary rate of nurses and other
medical workers in the private sector.!

The minimum base pay of government nurses was raised in 2020 to
Salary Grade 15 amounting to at least Php 32,000 from Salary Grade 11 or
at least Php 22,000. However, as reported by the Filipino Nurses United,
private nurses receive an “insultingly low” monthly average salary of Php
5,000 to Php 10,000 below the minimum wage.?

Despite the essential services delivered by nurses and other medical
workers in these challenging times to all Filipinos, they cannot even afford
to provide for their basic needs and that of their families given the low
remuneration and benefits accorded to them.

The demand for Filipino nurses to work abroad which provides more
incentives and benefits for them, has also drained our own supply of

" hetps://news.abs-cbn.com/news/09/11/20/kawawa-nurses-natin-bello-strongly-recommends-pay-hike-for-
private-medical-workers
Ibid.


competent health care workers and may lead to the incapacity of our already
fragile public health system. The low pay and high risks have become the
sad reality of nurses in the Philippines we hope to change.

This bill seeks to upgrade the salaries received by nurses and medical
workers in all private hospitals and health institutions, as a means of
recognizing the noble sacrifices and dignity of Filipino nurses. It assumes
the responsibility of providing protection, respect, and improvement of the
nursing profession and other medical workers by instituting measures that
will ensure the adaptation of just and humane working conditions and
professional growth. This legislation also seeks to encourage health workers
to work and serve in the country instead of going abroad.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is
earnestly sought.


Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

House Bill No. 7184

INTRODUCED BY
REP. ALFRED VARGAS

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE INCREASE IN SALARY RATE OF ALL NURSES
AND MEDICAL WORKERS IN ALL PRIVATE HOSPITALS
AND HEALTH INSTITUTIONS

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Salary Increase
for Private Sector Medical Workers Act."

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the
State to ensure the welfare of medical workers in recognition of their
invaluable role in the health care system of our country. It is the duty and
responsibility of the State to provide adequate and just remuneration and
benefits to health workers in order to enhance their general welfare and to
attract and retain its rightful share of talents with the end view of fulfilling
the State policy of providing quality and essential health services to all
Filipinos.

SECTION 3. Coverage. - This Act shall cover all private nurses and medical
workers in all private health facilities and institutions. This includes medical
practitioners, staff, and aide in hospitals, sanitaria, health infirmaries,
clinics, laboratories, and other health-related establishments who are
exposed to the 2019 Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).

SECTION 4. Increasing the Salary Rate of Nurses and other Medical
Workers in All Private Health Institutions. - The present minimum
monthly salary rate for private nurses and other medical workers in all
private health facilities and institutions shall be upgraded to their respective
public sector counterparts. The salaries of those occupying higher positions
shall be adjusted accordingly. The funds for private health facilities and
institutions shall be included in the corporate budget.


SECTION 5. Non-Diminution of Benefits. - Nothing in this Act shall be
construed to diminish existing benefits under present laws, company
policies, and collective bargaining agreements.

SECTION 6. Penalty. — A fine if not less than Five Hundred Thousand Pesos
(Php 500,000.00) and/or imprisonment of not less than one (1) nor more
than two (2) years shall be imposed upon any person violating any provision
of this Act. Provided That, for juridical persons, the head of the agency and
Board of Directors, or executive officials of the agency or institution, shall
assume full responsibility for violations of this Act.

SECTION 7. Implementing Rules and Guidelines. - Within sixty (60) days
from the effectivity of this Act, the Department of Labor and Employment, in
consultation with the Department of Health and other appropriate
government agencies and relevant stakeholders, shall formulate the rules
and regulations to effectively implement the provisions of this Act.

SECTION 8. Separability Clause. - Any portion or provisions of this Act
that may be declared unconstitutional or invalid shall not have the effect of
nullifying other portions and provisions hereof as long as such remaining
portions or provisions can still subsist and be given effect in their entirety.

SECTION 9. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders,
proclamations and administrative regulations, or any parts thereof
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby revoked, repealed or
modified accordingly.

SECTION 10. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after
its publication in at least two (2) national papers of general circulation or in

the Official Gazette.

Approved,