Law Summary
Declaration of Policy
- Recognizes science and technology as essential to national development.
- Policy to develop human resources in science and technology.
- Programs include scholarships, education improvement, popularization of science, and incentives for careers in S&T.
Definitions
- Department: Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
- Scientific and Technological Activities (STA): activities generating, advancing, disseminating, and applying scientific knowledge.
- STA classified into Research & Experimental Development (R&D), Scientific and Technological Services (STS), and Scientific and Technical Education and Training (STET).
Science and Technology Career System
- A career system patterned after the Scientific Career System (SCS) to be formulated by DOST in coordination with Civil Service Commission.
Classification of S&T Personnel
- Categories:
- Managers, Supervisors, Planners: Graduate degree or 10 years managerial experience.
- Members of Scientific Career System.
- Scientists, Engineers, Researchers: At least undergrad degree and involved in R&D or STA.
- Technicians and related personnel: 12 units in science/engineering or appropriate training.
Salary Provisions
- Existing salary laws do not apply.
- New salary scale to be developed by DOST, DBM, Civil Service Commission, with Presidential approval.
Additional Benefits
- Honorarium for extra services.
- Share in royalties on patents and intellectual property, 60% government, 40% personnel.
- Hazard allowance (10%-30%) for hazardous workplaces.
- Full subsistence allowance or per diem when out of station.
- Laundry allowance of at least P150 monthly.
- Housing/quarters for personnel stationed more than 50 km from residence.
- Longevity pay: 5% of basic salary every 5 years.
- Annual compulsory free medical examination including physical, lab tests, psychometric, dental.
Benefits for Non-DOST Personnel
- Personnel outside DOST involved in STA may avail benefits upon certification.
Scholarships and Grants
- S&T personnel in public/private sectors eligible.
- Programs cover undergraduate to postgrad and training.
- Study in Philippines or abroad with required service obligation.
- Service obligation equivalent to scholarship years or may work private sector if no public position.
- Includes tuition, book allowance, stipend, insurance, and salary during study.
- Human Resource Development Council to manage.
Consultancy Services
- Allowed to render consultancy to private sector.
- Honorarium from private entities allowed over and above government salary.
- Must not affect government work.
- Requires Secretary of DOST approval.
Detail to Private Sector
- Regular government S&T personnel allowed secondment to private entities for up to one year.
- Approval required; no adverse effect on government work.
- Private entity pays salary during detail.
- Period counts toward retirement benefits but not leave credits; security of tenure and seniority protected.
Exemptions
- S&T positions from Attrition Law and Civil Service Nepotism rules.
Prevention of Double Benefits
- Personnel must choose benefits under this Act or other laws, not both.
Retirement Benefits
- Retirement pay based on highest salary plus one salary grade.
Protection of Existing Benefits
- This Act does not diminish or remove existing benefits at time of effectivity.
Rehiring of Retired Personnel
- Retired employees may be rehired on contract if qualified and no available experts.
- No refund of gratuity or leave benefits required.
Support for Government Scholars and Grantees
- Temporary waiver of Civil Service eligibility for two years.
- Preferential access to grants and loans for S&T projects.
Science and Technology Awards
- Annual awards for outstanding achievements in S&T.
- Committee to set guidelines and award categories.
Congressional Commission on Science and Technology
- Created to review Philippine S&T human resources, computerization, and this Act.
- Composed of 5 Representatives and 5 Senators.
- Co-chaired by Committee Chairpersons on Science and Technology.
- Reviews every five years.
Funding
- Provided in General Appropriations Act.
- Budget through DOST and concerned agencies.
Reporting
- DOST Secretary to submit annual implementation report to Congressional Commission.
Implementing Rules and Regulations
- DOST to formulate IRR with input from related agencies.
Repealing Clause
- All laws inconsistent with this Act are repealed or amended.
Separability Clause
- If any provision declared unconstitutional, others remain effective.
Effectivity
- Effectivity upon publication in two newspapers of general circulation.