THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Thursday backed Senator Raffy Tulfo for batting the passage of Senate Bill 2694 seeking to increase the pay of Filipino nurses.
“We applaud Senator Tulfo’s initiative as it will undoubtedly boost the morale of our nurses. It’s high time we prioritize our frontline service workers, particularly those in the health sector who are among the essential pillars of our nation,” CHR chairperson Richard Palpal-latoc said.
The measure aims to amend Republic Act 9173 or the Philippine Nursing Act of 2002 to upgrade the minimum salary grade of nurses from SG 15 to SG 19.
The Commission pointed out that to date, government nurses earn at least P36,000 a month, the lowest wage among Southeast Asian countries, forcing Filipino nurses to leave the country for better-paying jobs abroad.
“The Commission welcomes any initiatives that will finally address the longstanding call of Filipino nurses for increased pay. The salary raise is just a small gesture to recognize these modern heroes who answer the call of duty when the country needs them most," Palpal-latoc said.
Citing the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development’s “Health at a Glance: Asia/Pacific 2022: Measuring Progress Towards Universal Health Coverage,” the Philippines is the largest exporter of nurses and doctors, resulting in a shortage of health professionals at the home front.
The data revealed that there are only four nurses per 1,000 patients.
“Upholding the principles of the 1987 Constitution, the CHR emphasizes the state's responsibility to protect labor rights and promote equal employment opportunities.
“Therefore, the Commission recognizes the necessity of implementing policies that will provide Filipino nurses with economic opportunities and fair treatment they rightfully deserve,” the agency said.
It cited Article 7 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights of the United Nations that sets standards for favorable working conditions, including fair wages, equal- pay-for-equal work for services rendered, rest, leisure, reasonable working hours, and remuneration for public holidays.
“Given the current status quo, the CHR calls on the government to take measures addressing the nursing shortage in our country and comply with these rights set by the United Nations,” it added.
