Manila: Senator Francis Escudero on Friday reiterated the need to strengthen insurance coverage and benefits for power line workers, citing the dangerous nature of their work in maintaining the country's electricity supply.

According to Philippines News Agency, Escudero said line workers perform critical tasks but often lack adequate protection against accidents, illness, or death sustained in the line of duty. 'They perform both critical and dangerous work. Yet a number of them do so bereft of any form of coverage against death, accidents, illness, and other fortuitous events,' he said.

The senator said his recently filed Senate Bill No. 498 or the Line Workers Insurance and Benefits Act seeks to require power utilities and grid operators to provide insurance and benefits such as retirement and disability pay, death and burial assistance, and medical reimbursements.

Escudero added that coverage should also extend to drivers, helpers, and support crews deployed alongside line workers, stressing that employers should shoulder the full cost of insurance premiums without deducting from workers' wages.