The Senate Energy Committee, led by its chairman Senator Erwin Tulfo, swiftly approved measures which seek to declare every first Monday of August every year as the “National Line Workers Appreciation Day” and provide them insurance coverage.
“Behind every light that stays on are line workers who brave difficult and often dangerous conditions to keep electricity flowing. The risks our linemen face are no joke,” Tulfo said.
“The risks our linemen face are no joke.”
“When there is a typhoon, flood, earthquake, or any other disaster, they are the ones sent out to climb poles, repair power lines, and work for hours, even in the middle of the night, just to restore electricity service,” the legislator emphasized.
The Senate bills recognizing the line workers were separately filed by Tulfo, Senator Chiz Escudero, and Senate President Win Gatchalian, while its counterpart measure in the House of Representatives was authored by 25 representatives and approved by the chamber on third reading.
Complementing this, the Senate Energy Committee also approved Senate Bill Nos. 498, 923, and 2448 along with House Bill No. 7239, which seek to provide mandatory insurance coverage and other benefits for all line workers.
The lawmaker said these bills will set a mandatory minimum threshold for life, accident, and disability insurance for line workers across private distribution utilities, electric cooperatives, and transmission or grid operators throughout the country.
“If we are to recognize their service, we must also recognize the dangers that come with their work.”
“If we are to recognize their service, we must also recognize the dangers that come with their work. These dangers are very real. These are not abstract occupational risks. These are risks that can cost a worker’s life and leave a family without a loved one and a source of livelihood,” said the chairman of the Senate Energy Committee.
A committee report on the bills for the line workers will be prepared by the Senate energy panel for its eventual sponsorship at the Senate plenary.
