QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 8439)
RA 8439 is entitled the “Magna Carta for Scientists, Engineers, Researchers and other S & T Personnel in the Government.” Its policy is to recognize science and technology as essential to national development and to establish programs for human resources development in science and technology to maintain an adequate reservoir of talent and manpower for total science and technology mastery.
They are: (1) Research and Experimental Development (R&D), (2) Scientific and Technological Services (STS), and (3) Scientific and Technical Education and Training (STET).
The “Department” refers to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) created under Executive Order No. 128.
A career system for S&T personnel patterned after the Scientific Career System (SCS) must be formulated by the DOST in coordination with the Civil Service Commission.
S&T personnel may be classified as: (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 S&T personnel.
No. The existing law on salary scales of government employees shall not apply in determining the salary scale of S&T personnel. A new salary scale must be developed by DOST in consultation with the DBM and Civil Service Commission, subject to approval of the President.
S&T personnel who rendered services beyond the established irregular workload, and whose superior knowledge, expertise, or professional standing contributes to productivity and innovativeness, may receive honorarium, subject to rules set by DOST.
S&T personnel are entitled to a share in royalties subject to DOST guidelines. The share is on a 60%-40% basis in favor of the Government and the personnel involved in the technology/activity produced during regular performance of functions.
If the researcher works with a private company and the program of activities is mutually agreed upon, any royalty shall be divided according to the equity share in the research project.
Hazard allowance ranges from 10% to 30% of monthly basic salary depending on the nature and extent of hazard. Subsistence allowance is full subsistence equivalent to three meals a day (or per diem if assigned out of regular work station). Laundry allowance is at least PHP 150 per month for those required to wear prescribed uniform during office hours.
They include: (1) radiation-exposed laboratories and service workshops; (2) remote/depressed areas; (3) areas declared under a state of calamity or emergency; (4) strife-torn or embattled areas; and (5) laboratories and other disease-infested areas.
S&T personnel on duty in laboratories, research and development centers, and other government facilities are entitled to free living quarters within the government facility where stationed, provided their residence is outside the 50-kilometer radius from such facility.
S&T personnel must receive a compulsory free medical examination once a year and immunization as warranted. The examination includes complete physical exam, routine labs, Chest X-ray and ECG, psychometric exam, dental exam, and other indicated exams.
Yes. They may render consultancy to the private sector and may be paid honorarium by the private entity. Conditions: payments are over and above their government salary during consultancy period; consultancy must not jeopardize or adversely affect their originating office; and the Secretary of DOST must approve.
Scientists/engineers/researchers/other S&T personnel employed regularly in government may be seconded to a private entity when services are required, with a maximum duration not exceeding one (1) year, provided it will not hamper/adversely affect the originating office and subject to approval of the head of agency.
Appointments of S&T personnel to positions of research assistant and upwards are not covered by the Attrition Law and CSC rule on nepotism, considering the highly technical nature of these positions.
S&T personnel already receiving the same benefits under any other law cannot avail of benefits under RA 8439 unless they submit in writing their intention to withdraw the benefits already being received and opt for the benefits provided under the Act.