The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
Sanitation inspectors could soon see better pay, benefits, and working conditions under a bill filed by Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson.
On Thursday, Lacson introduced Senate Bill No. 1725, which proposes revising the salary grades of sanitation inspectors, enhancing their welfare, and professionalizing the field through mandatory registration and accreditation.
“This bill aims to professionalize the health and sanitary-related services rendered by sanitation inspectors by requiring the registration and accreditation of the sanitation inspectors to ensure the healthcare and welfare of the community,” Lacson said in the bill.
He also highlighted the measure’s goal of improving compensation by upgrading position titles and correlating them to higher salary grades nationwide.
“The bill further intends to positively augment and improve the basic monetary compensation of sanitation inspectors by modifying the salary grade schedule for all registered sanitation inspectors nationwide and correlating the existing position titles of SIs to the next higher salary grade,” he said.
Lacson noted that sanitation inspectors are authorized to enter food establishments and other facilities, putting them at risk of health hazards, yet many remain underpaid. Citing a 2021 statement by the Department of Health, WHO, and UNICEF, he said the Philippines has only around 2,700 sanitation inspectors, with 68 percent of cities falling below the recommended ratio of one inspector per 20,000 residents.
“Despite all the health hazards that a sanitary inspector encounters in the fulfillment of his or her duties, a Sanitary Inspector I only receives a monthly salary of ₱18,255,” he added.
Under the proposed law, all sanitation inspectors must be registered with and accredited by local health boards, with public registries posted in provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays. Accredited inspectors will undergo regular environmental health sanitation training within five years.
The bill also provides a range of benefits, including hazard, subsistence, laundry, and transportation allowances, health and medical coverage, GSIS and PhilHealth membership, longevity pay, free legal services, and preferential access to loans.
Additionally, it mandates adherence to occupational safety and health standards and requires local health offices to implement measures minimizing sanitation-related risks.