1.0 This Circular is intended to clarify the benefits and privileges that may presently be granted to public health workers in view of the issuance in November 1999 of the revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) No. 7305, otherwise known as the Magna Carta of Public Health Workers ( PHWs).

2.0 Section 7 of Administrative Order (AO) No. 170 provides that the new and increased rates of benefits under RA No. 7305 shall not be authorized for nationally paid public health workers unless prior consultation have been made with local government units as to their financial capability to extend the same benefits to locally-paid public health workers.

3.0 Notwithstanding the issuance of the said revised IRR, the suspension of the grant of new and increased benefits still holds until the same is lifted by the Office of the President. Hence, the grant of only the following benefits may be allowed for PHWs.

*      Laundry Allowance - P125 per month;
*      Subsistence Allowance - P30 per day;
*      RATA of P2 ,200 per month for Rural Health Physicians;
*      1 salary grade increase 3 months before retirement.

4.0 For the guidance of all concerned.

Adopted: 15 June 2000

(SGD.) BENJAMIN E. DIOKNO
Secretary