The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) stressed the need to give media workers equal protection, security, and benefits, especially now that the country is battling the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
PCOO Undersecretary Joel Sy Egco renewed his call for Congress to pass the proposed Media Workers’ Welfare Act to help address the vulnerabilities of media workers.
Sy Egco said that despite the COVID-19 crisis in the country, media workers continue to raise public awareness by delivering timely and accurate news on the threat posed by the contagious coronavirus disease.
“They continue to do their job and I salute them.”
“Media organizations and other media outfits also, they continue to do their job and I salute them although nakita natin ang vulnerability ng ating mga kapatid sa hanapbuhay (although we see their vulnerability),” the communications official said during the Laging Handa public briefing aired on state-owned PTV-4.
Media workers continue to keep the public updated on the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, despite the risk of getting infected.
He also acknowledged media’s contribution in the government’s fight against fake news about COVID-19.
“On the part of the government, it’s public knowledge that we have dismissed misinformation. At ang ating mga mainstream at mga legitimate na media outlet natin (And with the help of mainstream and legitimate media outlets), we have more than enough na sources ng tamang information (for right information),” Sy Egco said.
He emphasized the need for the passage of the proposed Media Workers’ Welfare Act, saying it is high time to look after the welfare and protection of media workers.
“We are pushing for the passage of the proposed Media Workers’ Welfare Act. We need this kind of law in this trying time.”
“It (Their dedication to work) showcased the importance of having a law or a measure that will ensure their welfare in the future. ‘Yun tinutulak po natin na (We are pushing for the passage of the proposed) Media Workers’ Welfare Act. Ito na po ‘yun. Nakita po natin sa panahon ngayon kung gaano kahalaga ang pagkakaroon ng ganitong klase ng batas (We need this kind of law in this trying time),” Sy Egco said.
The proposed Media Workers’ Welfare Act seeks to provide media equal protection, security, and benefits.
Under House Bill 2746 or the proposed Media Workers’ Welfare Act filed in July 2019, media workers will be granted mandatory additional insurance benefits by the Social Security System and Government Service Insurance System, including death and disability benefits, and reimbursement of medical expenses.