Senate Offer of tie Secretaty TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session MAY 12 P 4:33 SENATE 2128 S.B. No. - RECEIVED BY. INTRODUCED BY SENATOR RISA HONTIVEROS AN ACT UPGRADING THE SALARY GRADE OF DENTISTS EMPLOYED IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES EXPLANATORY NOTE Oral health is an essential part of public health and universal health care. Yet for many Filipinos- especially those in poor, rural, underserved, and geographically isolated communities-access to dental care remains limited. The shortage of dentists in government service continues to weaken the delivery of preventive, promotive, and curative oral health services in public health facilities. Available government data show that the number of public dentists remains grossly inadequate relative to the population they serve, resulting in overwhelming patient loads and limited access to timely dental care. Despite their vital role in protecting public health, government dentists continue to receive compensation that is often uncompetitive compared to private practice and disproportionate to the demands and responsibilities of public service. This discourages many dental professionals from entering or remaining in government service, further straining the country's public oral healthcare system. Public dentists serve in hospitals, rural health units, schools, and communities, often caring for patients who have little or no access to private dental services. Strengthening and retaining this workforce is essential to achieving equitable and accessible healthcare for all.
The 1987 Constitution mandates the State to protect and promote the right to health of the people and adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to health development. Consistent with this policy and the objectives of Universal Health Care Act, this measure seeks to upgrade the salary grades of dentists employed in the public sector in recognition of their indispensable contribution to the health system and to encourage more dental professionals to serve in government. Increasing the salaries of our public dentists is an investment in the health of every Filipino and a recognition of their vital role in public service. In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. RISA HONTIVEROS Senator
Office of the E TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 26 MAY 12 P4:33 SENATE RECEIVED BY. S.B. No. 2128 INTRODUCED BY SENATOR RISA HONTIVEROS AN ACT UPGRADING THE SALARY GRADE OF DENTISTS EMPLOYED IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled: ARTICLE I TITLE
SECTION. 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Public Dentist
2 Salary Modification Act."
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy - It is hereby declared the policy of the State
4 to protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health 5 consciousness among them pursuant to the Constitution and the objectives of Universal Health Care Act. Recognizing the critical role of dentists in promoting oral health, preventing 8 disease, and ensuring access to essential oral healthcare services, especially in underserved and geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAS), the State shall ensure that compensation for public dentists shall remain commensurate with the demands, responsibilities, and professional qualifications required by government service. Towards this end, the State shall promote and improve the social and economic 14 well-being, living and working conditions, and terms of employment of public dentists 15 in order to attract and retain competent dental professionals in government service.
SEC. 3. Coverage. - This Act shall cover all dentists employed in all agencies
2 and instrumentalities of the government, including national government agencies, 3 government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCS), state universities and 4 colleges (SUCs), public health institutions, and local government units (LGUS), 5 regardless of status of employment.
SEC. 4. Adjustment of Salary Grade of Public Dentists - Upon the
7 effectivity of this Act, the salary grade levels for dentists employed in government 8 service shall be modified as follows: Position Title Salary Grade Dentist I Dentist II Dentist III Dentist IV Dentist V Dentist VI Dentist VII 9 Provided, That public dentists employed on a part-time, contractual, casual, or job 10 order basis under the Human Resources for Health Program and other similar 11 government programs shall receive remuneration proportionate to the actual services 12 rendered and based on equivalent compensation rates corresponding to the modified salary schedule herein provided; Provided, further, That government agencies and instrumentalities not covered by Republic Act No. 11466, otherwise known as the "Salary Standardization Law of 2019," shall continue to implement their existing compensation schemes insofar as these are equivalent to or higher than the salary rates prescribed under this Act; Provided, finally, That the salaries of public dentists employed by local government units shall correspond to the income classification and financial capacity of the concerned LGU and shall be subject to the limitations prescribed under Republic Act 21 No. 11466 and other applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
SEC. 5. Non-Diminution of Benefits. - Nothing in this Act shall be construed
to diminish existing benefits and allowances presently enjoyed by public dentists under 24 existing laws, issuances, agreements, or practices.
SEC. 6. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to implement this Act shall
2 be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. Funding requirements for local 3 government units and government-owned or -controlled corporations shall be included in their respective annual budgets.
SEC. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days
after the effectivity of this Act, the Department of Budget and Management, in coordination with the Department of Health, the Civil Service Commission, and other concerned agencies, shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the 9 effective implementation of this Act.
SEC. 8. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.
SEC. 9. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and
regulations, and other issuances inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.
SEC. 10. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. Approved,