Kabayan Party-list Rep. Ron Salo (Rep. Salo's office)

A ranking congressman is seeking to revise the "outdated" Magna Carta of Public Health Workers, also known as Republic Act (RA) No. 7305. 

By filing House Bill (HB) No.9127, Kabayan Party-list Rep. Ron Salo said he wants to enhance the benefits for public health workers as spelled out in the now 31-year-old law. 

"The Magna Carta of Public Health Workers was a crucial milestone in recognizing the vital role our health workers play in our society. However, the passage of more than three decades necessitates an update to reflect the changing times and to ensure that our public health workers are justly compensated for their tireless efforts," Salo said in a statement Wednesday, Sept. 13. 

The veteran solon said that while RA No. 7305 "represented a significant step forward" when it was enacted on March 26, 1992, "the bill's provisions have become outdated in light of the evolving economic landscape." 

Among Salo's proposed enhancements to the law is a 25 percent hazard allowance for all public health workers across the board, regardless of salary grade. Currently, only public health workers below salary grade 20 are receiving the 25 percent hazard pay. Those with salary grade 20 or higher only receive 5 percent hazard allowance. 

Under the bill, the subsistence allowance of public health workers shall be pegged at P300 with gradual increases up to P500. The subsistence allowance is currently provided as three meals a day based on prevailing circumstances. 

The laundry allowance of public health workers shall also be increased to P 1,000 a month from P125. 

"The Covid-19 pandemic has underscored the unwavering dedication of our public health workers who have consistently gone above and beyond the call of duty to protect and serve the public, often at great personal risk. It is now more critical than ever to provide them with benefits and incentives that are commensurate with their contributions," Salo said. 

"Enhancing the benefits of our public health workers will encourage them to stay and work in the Philippines, allowing them to spend more time with their loved ones while receiving a dignified compensation," the Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs chairman further stated. 

"By providing them with better benefits and incentives, we not only express our gratitude but also ensure that they can continue to serve our nation with dedication and pride," Salo concluded.