Manila, Philippines – Media workers are at the forefront of major events.
They go to war zones, brave typhoons and disasters, and report from other dangerous areas to keep the public informed.
But while doing their jobs, they also face serious risks.
Now, a bill filed in the Senate seeks to provide them with additional pay and insurance protection when assigned to dangerous areas.
Senator Mark Villar filed Senate Bill No. 2440, or the proposed “Media Workers Hazard Pay Act.”
Under the bill, accredited media workers would receive at least P650 in hazard pay for every day they are assigned to dangerous locations.
This would cover conflict or embattled areas, isolated stations, places affected by infectious diseases, and areas under a state of calamity or emergency.
The hazard pay would apply throughout the entire dangerous assignment and could not be reduced.
The proposed measure would also require employers to provide additional insurance coverage.
This includes up to P200,000 in death benefits, up to P200,000 for total or partial disability caused by work-related injuries, and up to P100,000 in medical benefits.
Media workers who render overtime or work between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. would also be entitled to additional compensation, subject to existing laws and industry practices.
In his statement, Villar commended media workers who serve as the eyes and ears of the public during the most difficult and dangerous situations.
But, he said if media workers are expected to face these risks in the line of duty, they should also be protected, insured and fairly compensated.
“Media workers serve as the eyes and ears of the public during the most difficult and dangerous situations. Kung inaasahan natin silang humarap sa panganib upang mapanatiling ligtas at may sapat na kaalaman ang ating mga kababayan, tungkulin din nating tiyakin na sila ay protektado, insured, at makatarungang binabayaran”