Manila: A bill seeking to grant hazard pay and expanded insurance coverage to media workers assigned to dangerous areas has been filed in the Senate, providing additional protection for journalists and other media personnel working in hazardous conditions.
According to Philippines News Agency, Senator Mark Villar, author of Senate Bill No. 2440 or the proposed 'Media Workers Hazard Pay Act,' stated that the measure would provide financial and insurance benefits to accredited media personnel carrying out assignments in areas affected by armed conflict, disasters, disease outbreaks, and other emergency situations.
The proposal would benefit thousands of accredited media workers from government and private-sector organizations who are required to physically report from dangerous locations. Villar emphasized the crucial role of media workers as the eyes and ears of the public during difficult and dangerous situations, highlighting the importance of ensuring their protection, insurance, and fair compensation.
Under the proposed measure, accredited media workers would be entitled to a minimum hazard pay of PHP650 per day when their duties require them to physically report from dangerous areas. These areas include conflict-affected or embattled locations, isolated or distressed stations, areas affected by infectious diseases, and places placed under a state of calamity or emergency. The additional pay would cover the entire period of the hazardous assignment and could not be reduced. However, employees who already receive hazard compensation equal to or greater than the proposed amount would not receive a separate benefit under the measure.
The bill would also require employers to provide additional insurance protection to covered media workers. The proposed package includes a PHP200,000 death benefit for those who die while performing their duties, as well as disability compensation of up to PHP200,000 for total or partial disability caused by injuries sustained in the line of duty. Medical insurance coverage of up to PHP100,000 would also be provided to each covered worker.
Furthermore, the bill seeks additional compensation for media personnel required to work beyond the standard eight-hour shift or during the 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. period, subject to existing laws and accepted industry practices. Villar stated that these benefits are necessary given the risks routinely faced by journalists and other media personnel, including reporters, camera operators, and technical staff, particularly when covering disasters and other emergencies.
