Public Dentist Salary Modification Act

Senate TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE Difice of the sort carp REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 25 SEP -3 P3:56 RECEIVED BY. S. No._ No. 1342 Introduced by Senator Raffy T. Tulfo AN ACT UPGRADING THE SALARY GRADE OF DENTISTS EMPLOYED IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES EXPLANATORY NOTE Oral health is a fundamental component of overall health and well-being. In today's context, disparities in access to dental care remain a significant issue, particularly in underserved and rural areas. By upgrading the salary grades of public sector dentists, the Act aims to attract and retain qualified dental professionals in government service, ensuring that marginalized populations receive the dental care they need. The State is committed to protecting and promoting the right to health for all Filipinos and fostering health consciousness. Dentists play a crucial role in this mandate by providing essential oral health services. To support these professionals, the State aims to ensure that their compensation reflects the demands of their service and promotes their well-being, living conditions, and terms of employment. Under the proposed measure, public dentists would receive remuneration equivalent to SG- 17 for Dentist I; SG-20 for Dentist II; SG-23 for Dentist III; SG-25 for Dentist IV; SG- 27 for Dentist V; SG-29 for Dentist VI; and SG-30 for Dentist VII. By aligning their compensation with the demands of their roles, this bill helps ensure these professionals are fairly rewarded, reducing turnover rates and enhancing the quality of care provided to the public.

This Bill seeks to upgrade the salary grades of dentists employed in the public sector in the Philippines. This initiative recognizes the vital role of dentists in promoting oral health and aims to address the economic and social well-being of these professionals, thereby encouraging more qualified individuals to join and remain in government service.

SenaTe Office of the Sucti 25 SEP - 3 P3:56 TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session man 10 SENATE S. No. 1342 Introduced by Senator Raffy T. Tulfo AN ACT UPGRADING THE SALARY GRADE OF DENTISTS EMPLOYED IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 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 "Public Dentist Salary

Modification Act"

Sec 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared a policy of the State to

4 protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them. In line with this policy, and in recognition of the critical role of dentists 6 in promoting oral health among Filipinos, and the need to encourage qualified health 7 care professionals to join and remain in government service, the State shall ensure that the compensation received by public dentists remain commensurate to the 9 demands of the service, and that their social and economic well-being, living and working conditions, and terms of employment are continuously promoted and improved.

Sec. 3. Coverage. - This Act shall cover all dentists employed in all agencies

and Instrumentalities of government, including national government agencies, government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs), state universities and colleges, and local government units (LGUs), regardless of their status of employment.

Sec. 4. Adjustment of Salary Grade of Public Dentists. - Upon the effectivity of

this Act, the salary grade levels for dentists employed in all government agencies and instrumentalities shall be modified as follows: Position Title Old Salary Grade New Salary Grade Dentist I Dentist II Dentist III Dentist IV Dentist V Dentist VI Dentist VII Provided, That public dentists employed on part-time or casual basis under the Human Resources for Health and other similar programs and projects of the government shall receive remuneration in accordance with the modified salary grade schedule and shall be paid proportionate to the actual service they have rendered: Provided, further. That government agencies and instrumentalities that are not covered under Republic Act No. 11466, otherwise known as the Salary Standardization Law of 2019, shall continue to receive their current remuneration so long as the salaries they receive correspond to or are higher than the salary schedule provided under this Act: Provided, finally. That the modified salaries of public dentists employed by LGUs shall correspond to the income classification of the LGU concerned and shall not exceed the percentage of the applicable salary schedule as provided in Section 10(a) of Republic Act No. 11466, otherwise known as the Salary Standardization Law of 2019.

Sec. 5. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to effectively implement the

provisions of this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act, in the respective annual appropriations ordinances of the LGUs, and in the respective annual corporate operating budgets of the GOCCS.

Sec. 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within thirty (30) days from the

30 effectivity of this Act, the Department of Budget and Management shall, in

coordination with other government agencies concerned, promulgate the rules and regulations to effectively implement the provisions of this Act. Approved,