HOUSE deputy minority leader Rep. Bernadette Herrera has endorsed to the House committee on health House Bill 4602, amending the Magna Carta of Public Health Workers, which became law 32 years ago in March 1992.
“For too long, the provisions of Republic Act No. 7305, the Magna Carta of Public Health Workers, have remained static, failing to keep pace with the changing economic and social landscape,” Rep. Herrera recently said to the committee.
She also said, “Our public health workers have been operating under conditions and benefits that are no longer reflective of the current demands and risks associated with their professions. This bill aims to rectify that.”
HB 4602 proposes to “expand the definition of health workers, acknowledging the broad spectrum of roles and environments in which they operate. It is about extending our appreciation and support beyond traditional settings to every individual contributing to public health,” according to Herrera.
The bill also seeks to substantially increase various allowances and benefits, including night shift differentials, hazard pay, and laundry allowances, ensuring these are in line with current living standards.
“This is not just an act of fairness but an investment in the morale and well-being of our health workers,” Herrera said in her sponsorship speech. “Moreover, we address the critical aspect of non-discrimination, ensuring our public health workers are respected and valued, regardless of their background or beliefs.”
SALIENT FEATURES
In HB 4602, the expanded definition of health workers includes those working in health offices of state universities and colleges, state corporations, government financial institutions, and LGUs who are full-time or part-time and whose salaries are charged against personnel services lump sum appropriations, and whose positions are covered by RA 6756 (Compensation and Position Classification Act of 1989).
Also in HB 4602, night shift differential computation is increased to 20% from 10%. It is also expanded to cover government-run birthing clinics and disaster response health facilities operating on 24/7 basis.
On hazard pay, HB 4602 removes the percentage computations that pegged the amount to salary grades. Instead, HB 4602 grants a flat rate of P10,000.00, which can be increased later on by the Health Secretary. The bills set a subsistence allowance “equivalent to” P150.00 per day and laundry allowance of P500.00 per month (up from P125.00). Both amounts can be increased later on by the Health Secretary
