Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 8439)
The official title is "Magna Carta for Scientists, Engineers, Researchers and other Science and Technology Personnel in the Government."
The State recognizes science and technology as essential for national development and progress, and declares a policy to provide for human resources development programs in science and technology to maintain a reservoir of talent that supports total science and technology mastery.
STA refers to systematic activities related to the generation, advancement, dissemination, and application of scientific and technical knowledge across natural science and technology fields. These include research and experimental development, scientific and technological services, and scientific and technical education and training.
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is the primary agency responsible for implementing RA 8439.
S&T personnel are classified into four categories: (a) S&T managers, supervisors, and planners, (b) Members of the scientific career system, (c) Scientists, engineers and researchers, and (d) DOST technicians and related personnel providing support services.
The salary scale for S&T personnel is not governed by existing laws on government employee salaries. Instead, a new salary scale shall be developed by the DOST in consultation with the Department of Budget and Management and the Civil Service Commission, subject to presidential approval.
S&T personnel are entitled to benefits including honorarium for services beyond workload, share in royalties on intellectual property, hazard allowance for dangerous work environments, subsistence allowance, laundry allowance, housing/quarter allowance, longevity pay, and free annual medical examinations.
Yes, they are allowed to render consultancy services and receive honoraria from private entities, provided the consultancy does not adversely affect their government work and is approved by the Secretary of the Department.
S&T personnel may be seconded to private entities for a maximum of one year, with the approval of the agency head, and under conditions that do not hamper their government duties. The private entity pays their salary during secondment, which counts towards retirement benefits but not leave credits.
Yes, appointments of S&T personnel to positions of research assistant and higher are exempt from the Attrition Law and the Civil Service Commission's rule on nepotism due to the technical nature of their roles.