House bill seeks 30% calamity pay for workers
MANILA, Philippines — A proposed measure in the House of Representatives seeking to institutionalize an additional 30% pay for workers required to report for work during calamities is long overdue, according to a party-list group.
TRABAHO Party-list renewed its call for the passage of House Bill No. 4435, or the proposed Calamity Pay Law, on Sunday, August 23, following weeks of heavy rains brought by the enhanced southwest monsoon and three tropical cyclones.
The proposed measure, filed by Rep. Johanne Bautista (TRABAHO Party-list) on Sept. 8, 2025, seeks to mandate premium pay equivalent to 30% of a worker's regular wage for employees required to report for work despite adverse conditions.
"Daily commuters shared their ordeals of surviving through deep floodwaters and enduring severe weather brought by the combined effects of the enhanced habagat and tropical cyclones Luis, Maymay, and Neneng just to avoid pay deductions or employer sanctions," the party-list said.
Additional benefits
Under the proposed measure, covered workers would be entitled to calamity pay if they are required to work under any of the following circumstances:
- If the area where the worker resides or works is placed under a state of calamity by the President or the local sanggunian
- If the worker's place of work or residence is not placed under a state of calamity but is severely affected by a disaster
- If the worker's place of work is placed under Signal No. 3, Red Rainfall Warning or an equivalent calamity classification
- If a work suspension is declared in the worker's place of work or residence
- Other similar circumstances
Employers, meanwhile, may verify whether workers are entitled to calamity pay based on the latest available records, access to public transportation, road closures or impassable roads, and other factors that may support an employee's claim.
The bill would also protect workers from pay reductions for being late due to a calamity and from disciplinary action for failing or refusing to work because of reasonable or imminent danger resulting from a calamity.
It also states that benefits granted under the proposed measure should not result in the reduction or discontinuation of other benefits.
"It recognizes that in times of calamity, an employee reports to work and renders work in conditions that pose risks to their health and safety, which are not part of their normal working conditions," the bill read.
Penalties
The measure also seeks to impose penalties on employers who violate its provisions.
Employers found violating the proposed law, including through the deliberate failure or refusal to provide calamity pay to qualified workers, would face a fine not exceeding P100,000 or imprisonment of six months to one year.
If the violation is committed by a corporation, firm, partnership, association or other entity, responsible officers, including the president, vice president, chief executive officer, general manager or managing director, may be held liable.
"Failure on the part of any corporation, trust or firm, partnership, association, or any entity to comply with the provisions of this Act shall be a ground for non-renewal of business permits," the measure read.
The proposed bill remains pending before the House Committee on Labor and Employment.
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