PDEA lauds House committee for Magna Carta bill approval
THE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) headed by Director General Moro Virgilio M. Lazon yesterday commended the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs chaired by Surigao del Norte Representative Robert “Ace” Barbers for approving House Bill No. 91, or “An Act Instituting the Magna Carta of Benefits for the Officers and Personnel of the PDEA”.
The Magna Carta Bill seeks to promote and improve the well-being and economic welfare of the men and women of the PDEA by providing them with acceptable living and working conditions, better terms of employment, and career opportunities in order to effectively carry out their mandate.
PDEA, as the lead agency in the campaign against illegal drugs, exposes its personnel to continuum of risks and dangers, said Lazo. However, despite the critical role they portray in the national anti-drug campaign, they are given lower priority as stated by existing laws.
The bill aims to ensure that PDEA Drug Enforcement Officers (DEOs) and personnel are provided with sufficient compensation and accorded avenues for professional growth.
Under the Magna Carta Bill, PDEA Officers and other personnel are entitled to receive the following allowances/ benefits aside from their basic salary covered by the Salary Standardization Law:
* Hazard Duty Pay- PDEA personnel exposed to occupational hazards or elements, or hazardous jobs involving high risk of losing life, limbs, or likely deterioration, shall be entitled to hazard duty pay;
* Subsistence Allowance- DEOs shall be entitled to subsistence allowance at a rate under specific laws, rules and regulations, while administrative and technical personnel shall be entitled to subsistence allowance of one meal to be computed in accordance with prevailing circumstances; and
* Annual Medical and Dental Examinations- Annual free medical and dental examinations shall be provided to every employee in accordance with the “Universal Health Law”.
A Merit and Promotion Plan shall also be promulgated by PDEA to ensure that every employee is given fair and equal career advancement opportunities.
PDEA thanked Rep. Barbers for addressing the prevailing concern of PDEA employees to receive benefits and compensation equivalent to their police and military, Director General Lazo added.
