Bill Seeks P650 Daily Hazard Pay for Philippine Media in Dangerous Zones

SENATOR Mark A. Villar has filed a measure mandating employers to provide hazard pay of minimum P650 per day for media personnel assigned in embattled, isolated, and disease-infested areas, including places declared under state of emergency or calamity. Mr. Villar is also seeking additional compensation for media workers rendering overtime service and those whose shifts fall between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. “Media workers serve as the eyes and ears of the public during the most difficult and dangerous situations. If we expect them to face danger to keep our fellow citizens safe and well-informed, it is also our duty to ensure that they are protected, insured, and fairly compensated,” Mr. Villar said in statement on Monday. Mr. Villar also proposed mandatory additional insurance benefits for media workers, including a P200,000 death benefit for staff who die in the line of duty, a disability benefit of up to P200,000 for total or partial work-related disability, and medical insurance coverage of up to P100,000. Media personnel who are already receiving the same or higher benefits proposed under the Senate Bill No. 2440 will no longer be eligible to a separate hazard pay. — Kaela Patricia B. Gabriel Information Source: BusinessWorld Nation