November 28, 2003

DAR OPINION NO. 23-03

MEMORANDUM

FOR             :     Teddie Elson E. Rivera
                          Undersecretary-FMAO

SUBJECT    :     Request for the Grant of Hazard Pay to Employees of DAR Region VIII

Anent the above request for opinion subject of the letter of then DAR Region VIII OIC-RD Luciano P. Mercado, Memorandum of then FMAO Undersecretary Danilo L. Encinas, letter of then Administrative Service OIC-Director, Rene E. Colocar dated 14 January 2003 and 1st Indorsement of Legal Service OIC-Director, Atty. Ma. Consuelo F. Sotalbo dated 30 January 2003 (copies herewith attached), Item 2 of National Budget Circular No. 451 dated 14 March 1996 (copy likewise attached) expressly provides:   AECDHS

"Hazard duty pay is a compensation premium or allowance which is generally paid to officials and employees who, because of the nature and/or location of their work are exposed to hazards."

Thus, the payment of said hazard duty pay may only be granted to officials and employees who are exposed to physical, health, weather and/or environmental hazards in hazardous work areas as defined/contemplated in Item 5 of NBC No. 451 and as declared/duly certified by the agency officials concerned mentioned therein.

Please be advised/guided accordingly.

Thank you.

(SGD.) RICARDO S. ARLANZA
Undersecretary for Policy, Planning and
Legal Affairs Office