AS disaster threats intensify during the monsoon season, a House of Reprsentatives deputy majority leader urged the Congress to pass a measure that would provide stronger financial, medical, and employment protection for public disaster responders who put their lives at risk during emergencies.
Filed by Quezon City Rep. Patrick Michael Vargas, House Bill 2269, or the proposed Magna Carta for Public Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Workers, seeks to grant qualified DRRM personnel hazard pay of up to 25 percent of their daily basic salary, 50 percent standby or on-call compensation, and fully subsidized hospitalization and medical treatment for work-related injuries and illnesses.
Vargas renewed his call for the bill’s swift passage as heavy monsoon rains continue to expose communities across Luzon to flooding, landslides, and other disaster risks.
‘During our visits to affected communities, we witnessed firsthand the tremendous sacrifice and dedication of our DRRM workers in making sure residents are safe and evacuation centers are properly prepared,’ Vargas said.
‘They are putting their lives on the line to protect Filipino families. It is time that the government give them the protection, compensation, and recognition they deserve,’ he added.
The measure seeks to institutionalize comprehensive socioeconomic safeguards and employment benefits for public disaster personnel, including permanent employees, contract of service workers, and job order personnel.
Under HB 2269, responders assigned to high-risk search, rescue, and retrieval operations may receive a hazard allowance equivalent to up to 25 percent of their daily basic salary.
Personnel placed on standby during emergencies would also be entitled to on-call compensation equivalent to 50 percent of their regular wages.
Field personnel would receive full subsistence allowances, monthly laundry allowances, and a five-percent longevity pay increase for every five years of service. Those deployed away from their permanent residence may also be provided free living quarters or a corresponding housing allowance.
Beyond financial benefits, the proposed Magna Carta places strong emphasis on the physical and mental well-being of disaster responders.
The bill mandates free annual medical, mental health, and psychosocial examinations, as well as full government coverage of hospitalization, treatment, and medicines for injuries or illnesses acquired in the line of duty.
Responders would also be provided complete personal protective equipment, free vaccinations, and necessary medical prophylaxis against contagious diseases that they may encounter in disaster and emergency zones.
HB 2269 also seeks to strengthen long-term employment security by ensuring appropriate social protection coverage under the Government Service Insurance System, Social Security System, PhilHealth, and the Universal Health Care Act.
The measure includes safeguards against arbitrary dismissal and politically motivated reassignment while giving DRRM workers priority access to professional training, scholarships, and postgraduate programs related to disaster risk reduction and management.