Duterte OKs special risk allowance for health workers

President Duterte has authorized a one-time special risk allowance (SRA) for public health workers (PHWs) through Administrative Order No. 28.

This SRA is equivalent to a maximum of 25 percent of the monthly basic pay and is intended for frontline PHWs directly catering to or in contact with COVID-19 patients.

The allowance will be pro-rated based on the number of days the health workers report for work during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) period.

To receive the SRA, PHWs must be civilian employees, workers engaged through contract of service or job order, or barangay health workers, and have been assigned to healthcare facilities.

The Bayanihan to Heal as One Act also mandates a P100,000 compensation for health workers who contract severe COVID-19 on duty, and P1 million for their families in case of death.

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go lauded the government's action and appealed for proper pay and provision of necessary tools and protection for volunteer health workers.