Congress hit for failing to pass Magna Carta for Barangay Health Workers
House of Representatives — File photo
MANILA, Philippines — Barangay health workers (BHWs) and a global union federation have expressed deep frustration over lawmakers’ failure to pass the Magna Carta for Barangay Health Workers before the 19th Congress adjourned sine die on Wednesday.
The Magna Carta for BHWs was identified as a priority bill by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council for passage before the 19th Congress ends.
The proposed measure aims to institutionalize standardized and fair compensation for over 250,000 barangay health workers nationwide.
Long wait for recognition
Myrna Gaite, president of the National Federation of Barangay Health Workers in the National Capital Region, voiced the collective disappointment of BHWs who have waited nearly 40 years for formal recognition.
“Every Congress brings the same heartbreak—promises made but never kept. We’ve served our communities for almost four decades, most of us without pay, without benefits, and without protection,” she said in a statement on Thursday.
“And now, just when the Magna Carta was finally within reach, we’ve been abandoned once again. How much longer must we endure?” she added.
Calls for unity, continued advocacy
Jamil Mora, president of the BHW Federation of Calabarzon, described the situation as both “frustrating and heartbreaking” but emphasized that their fight is far from over.
“To my fellow BHWs, let us turn this anger into strength. Let us unite. Let us organize ourselves. The fight is not over. We will return to the 20th Congress stronger, more united, and more determined than ever to win the respect and recognition we rightfully deserve,” he added.
Stalled at last minute
Although both chambers passed the bill before the May 2025 elections, it stalled after the House of Representatives withdrew its transmittal at the last minute.
The Senate passed its version, Senate Bill No. 2838, as early as February, and the House adopted it via House Bill No. 6557 to bypass the bicameral process.
However, on June 4, the Senate was informed that the House had reconsidered its adoption of SB 2838 as an amendment to HB 6557 and had consequently approved the withdrawal of HB 6557’s transmittal.
Monthly pay and benefits
The Magna Carta for BHWs guarantees a minimum monthly honorarium of P3,000 for registered BHWs and P5,000 for certified BHWs, with rates to be adjusted every three years.
BHWs will also be entitled to transportation, subsistence, and hazard allowances; insurance coverage; a health emergency allowance (HEA) during public health crises; cash gifts; a one-time dedicated service incentive; career advancement support; free legal services; and access to government livelihood programs.
While first-class cities and municipalities can afford to offer higher compensation, BHWs in remote and low-income areas often receive as little as P50 per month.
Government slammed for inaction
Roland dela Cruz, president of UNI Global Union-Philippine Liaison Council (UNI-PLC), condemned the government for breaking its promise to barangay health workers once again.
“For years, administration after administration pledged to pass the Magna Carta—only to abandon it at the finish line. How can a government claim to value public health when it continuously fails the very workers who uphold it? This isn’t just negligence—it’s betrayal,” he said.
Renewed campaign
With the Magna Carta shelved once more, barangay health workers across the country are preparing to relaunch their campaign for recognition, fair compensation, and protection of rights.
UNI-PLC and the National Federation of BHWs vowed to hold Congress and national leaders accountable.
“Our BHW associations are stronger than ever, and we will take this fight into the 20th Congress with even greater unity and determination. The struggle continues—and we will not back down,” said Rajendra Acharya, regional secretary of UNI Asia and Pacific./mcm/abc
