BFP Rules on Death and Disability Benefits

Board: Death and Disability Board created under BFP SOP 2001-04.
Claim Investigator: Officer or non-officer designated to investigate benefit claims.
BFP uniformed member: Officer or non-officer appointed under RA 6975.
Disability: Loss or impairment reducing capacity to perform duties.
Permanent Total Disability: Disability persisting over six months without recovery, rendering personnel incapable of duty; the six-month waiting period may be waived if clearly permanent.
Injury: Harmful change sustained at work or in performance of duties.
Salary: Basic pay plus longevity pay.
Sickness: Occupational disease or illness aggravated by working conditions.
Death: Loss of life from injury or sickness.
Supplies: Medicines and medical or surgical items.

Compensable Injury: Must occur while performing official functions at work, executing lawful orders, or in official duty.
Compensable Sickness: Must be occupational or work-aggravated as determined by the Board.
Permanent Total Disability Claims: Must include written sworn application with required attachments such as Fire Marshal’s recommendation, authenticated service record, medical certification of unfitness, detailed investigation report, appointment certificate, clearance certificates, and official receipts of medical expenses.
Death Benefits Claims: Must include sworn application with attachments including updated service record, death certificate, investigation report, appointment certificate, clearance certificates, official receipts of expenses, and proof of surviving heirs.

Who May File: The affected personnel or authorized representative for disability; survivors as defined by BFP Resolution for death claims.
Where to File: With the Benefit Assistance Section at the personnel’s station or any regional BFP office.
Notice Requirement: Written notice of injury, sickness, or death within 30 days.
Investigation Process: Must commence within 5 days of filing; hearing must occur within 15 days; detailed inquiry by RIID if question on compensability arises.
Report Submission: Investigation report and supporting documents forwarded to Board within 15 days from hearing conclusion.
Venue Transfer: Generally not allowed except in specific cases such as transfer of residence or reassignment causing hardship.
Adjudication and Payment: Performed at BFP National Headquarters with payments endorsed to regional offices.
Motion for Reconsideration: Allowed within 10 days of adverse decision.
Prescriptive Period: Claims do not prescribe if filed according to the rules.

Benefits adhere to provisions of BFP Board Resolution No. 2001-01 (Sections cited).

Retirement recommendation by the Board is a prerequisite for disability benefit claims.
Retirement takes effect upon approval of the retirement order.
If retirement is compulsory prior to claim approval but disability existed before retirement, pension date corresponds to compulsory retirement date.
Personnel continues service and salary until retirement order approval unless at compulsory retirement age.

Covers professional medical services, surgical operations, hospital accommodations, ambulance and operating room services, clinical and diagnostic procedures.
Supplies include prescribed drugs, medications, and medical goods necessary for treatment.

Prior consultation with BFP Clinic Physician required except in emergencies.
Hospital room rates capped at P1,800/day except for ICU, special equipment use, emergency situations, or upon physician recommendation.
Medicines reimbursable up to retail price with official receipts and doctor’s prescriptions.
Bills are subject to evaluation by Claim Investigator or Medical Officer before approval.
Reimbursement limited to reasonable and necessary services; unauthorized medical procedures not reimbursed.
Disapproval of claims results in medical costs borne by personnel or heirs.
Medical re-examination may be required to verify recovery.

Any fraudulent act to secure benefits including falsification or collusion subjects the offender to criminal and administrative actions.

Previous rules or orders inconsistent with these regulations are repealed or amended accordingly.

The rules should be widely distributed in all BFP units, offices, and nationwide.

The rules take effect immediately upon filing at the University of the Philippines Law Center.

If any provision is declared invalid or unconstitutional, remaining provisions remain in effect.