Republic Act No. 239

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippine Congress Assembled:

Section 1

It shall be the duty of the owner, lessee or operator of any shop, factory, estate, or commercial, industrial or agricultural establishment, whether the same be an individual, corporation, or partnership, or the National Government, or a provincial or municipal government, or the government of any political subdivision whatsoever, who permanently employs in the locality not less than fifty employees or laborers, to furnish free emergency dental attendance to his employees and laborers.

When the number of employees and laborers exceeds five hundred, the owner, lessee, or operator shall engage the services of a dentist for the benefit of his employees and laborers.

The dentists of the commercial, industrial and agricultural establishments shall subject all the employees and laborers of said establishments to a dental examination at least once a year and shall make detailed monthly and annual reports of all the services rendered by them: Provided, However, That this paragraph shall apply only to establishments, offices or industries employing not less than five hundred laborers or employees.

For the purposes of this Act, a person or establishment shall be understood to have employees or laborers in its permanent service when the work requires the constant employment of such operatives, even though these change frequently.

Section 2

The owner, lessee, or operator of any commercial, industrial, or agricultural establishment who shall violate the provisions of section one shall be punished by a fine of not less than twenty-five pesos nor more than one hundred pesos, and in case of recidivism the court may, in addition, order the definitive closing of the establishment. In case the owner, lessee, or operator of the establishment where the violation is committed is a company or corporation, the administrator or manager shall be liable, or in his default the person acting as such or, in the presence of evidence showing their direct responsibility, the president or directors of the company or corporation. In case the National Government, or any provincial or municipal government, or the government of some political subdivision is the owner, lessee, or operator of the establishment where the violation was committed, the officer having direct charge, control, or supervision of said establishment shall be held liable.

Section 3

The Secretary of Labor shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to carry out the purposes of this Act.

Section 4

This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Approved: June 10, 1948.