ON February 3 this year, the Senate approved on third reading Senate Bill No. 2838, the Magna Carta for Barangay Health Workers. That same day, it was transmitted to the House of Representatives for concurrence.
Three days after, the House adopted the Senate version as an amendment to its own House Bill No. 6557—bypassing a bicameral conference. However, on June 4, the House abruptly reconsidered and rescinded its earlier adoption. This last-minute reversal has drawn widespread criticism, especially since the bill was tagged as a priority by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council for passage before the 19th Congress adjourned.
Under the Magna Carta, registered BHWs would receive a minimum monthly honorarium of ₱3,000, and certified BHWs ₱5,000, with automatic adjustments every three years. The law also guarantees transportation, subsistence, and hazard allowances; insurance coverage; a health emergency allowance during public-health crises; annual cash gifts; a one-time service incentive; career-advancement support; free legal services; and access to government livelihood programs. In wealthier cities and municipalities, local governments often top up these amounts, but many BHWs in remote or low-income areas currently earn as little as ₱50 per month.
Senator Ejercito, the bill’s principal sponsor, called the House’s withdrawal “a betrayal of those who risked their lives daily.” He—and many others—argue that BHWs deserve more than last-minute politics.
Meanwhile, a separate deadlock over a proposed wage hike has left ordinary workers equally frustrated. The Senate supported a ₱100 daily increase; the House insisted on ₱200. Although ₱200 sounds more generous, Senator Zubiri warned it would overwhelm small and medium enterprises already operating on thin margins—and could trigger a presidential veto.
On the wage hike bill, Senator Villanueva pointed out that the final House version was only approved less than 48 hours before adjournment, despite earlier indications it would mirror the Senate’s version. He noted that a confusing, unofficial letter had cast doubt on the process. Yet labor groups and wage boards strongly back the ₱100 plan—showing that reasonable compromise was possible.
Other senators, including Pia Cayetano and Francis Tolentino, voiced similar disappointment. Tolentino reminded the chamber that the last wage law was passed three decades ago—an urgent sign that action is long overdue.
In the end, Congress adjourned without passing either the BHW Magna Carta or a meaningful wage increase.
