Section 19. Salaries. —
In the determination of the salary scale of public health workers, the provisions of Republic Act No. 6758 shall govern, except that the benchmark for Rural Health Physicians shall be upgraded to Grade 24.
Salary Scale — Salary scales of public health workers shall be provided progression: Provided, That the progression from the minimum to maximum of the salary scale shall not extend over a period of ten (10) years: Provided, further, That the efficiency rating of the public health worker concerned is at least satisfactory.
Equality in Salary Scale — The salary scales of public health workers whose salaries are appropriated by a city, municipality, district, or provincial government shall not be less than those provided for public health workers of the national government: Provided, That the national government shall subsidize the amount necessary to pay the difference between that received by nationality-paid and locally-paid health workers of equivalent positions.
Salaries to be Paid in Legal Tender — Salaries of public health workers shall be paid in legal tender of the Philippines or the equivalent in checks or treasury warrants: Provided, however, That such checks or treasury warrants shall be convertible to cash in any national, provincial, city or municipal treasurers' office or any banking institution operating under the laws of the Republic of the Philippines.
Deductions Prohibited — No person shall make any deduction whatsoever from the salaries of public health workers except under specific provision of law authorizing such deductions: Provided, however, That upon written authority executed by the public health worker concerned, a) lawful dues or fees owing to any organization/association where such public health worker is an officer or member; and b) premiums properly due all insurance policies, retirement and medicare shall be considered deductible.