MANILA – A House of Representatives panel on Tuesday approved a measure seeking to promote and improve the well-being and economic welfare of the officers and personnel of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
During the hearing, the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs, chaired by Surigao del Norte Representative Robert “Ace” Barbers, approved House Bill 91, subject to style and amendment, which would institute the magna carta of benefits for the PDEA officers and personnel.
Under the proposed magna carta, PDEA workers will be provided with acceptable living and working conditions, better terms of employment, and career opportunities so that they can effectively carry out their duties.
"In return for ensuring that our nation is safe from the dangers of illegal drugs, this bill seeks to ensure that PDEA agents are provided sufficient compensation and accorded avenues for professionalization," Barbers said.
The bill stipulates that PDEA personnel shall be entitled to hazard duty pay, subsistence allowance, annual medical and dental examinations, and leave benefits.
In order to ensure that the agency is run by officials and employees with a commendable level of professionalism, competence, commitment to service, transparency, respect for human dignity and integrity, a well rationalized career development program shall be provided by the PDEA, which shall serve as the basis for all career and personal development activities of PDEA.
A merit and promotion plan shall also be promulgated by PDEA to ensure that every employee is given fair and equal opportunity in career advancement particularly in the promotion.
Promotion shall be primarily based on merits and fitness. No spot promotion shall be allowed. (PNA)
