The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) supports the proposed Media Workers’ Welfare Act by the Committee of Labor and Employment at House of Representatives.
The said act was originally filed in the 18th Congress as House Bill No. 454, in consolidation with HB Nos. 304, 1924, 2487 and 2801.
The proposed bill was introduced by representatives Jeffrey Soriano, Paolo Duterte, Eric Yap, and Ralph Tulfo, the bill seeks to enhance the protection, security, and benefits of media workers towards improving their socio-economic and overall well-being.
Among the key features of the proposed measure are entitlements to overtime pay, night shift premiums, and wage that should not be below the minimum salary in their respective region. When covering dangerous assignments and areas, they should also be given hazard pay and provided with basic safety gear fit for the situation.
“Upholding the dignity and labor rights of media workers is essential to the flourishing of press freedom while also enhancing the people’s right to timely and accurate information, courageously seek and report the truth despite the risks, ” according to CHR Executive Director, Atty. Jacqueline Ann De Guia.
The right to security of tenure is also covered by HB No. 454 as it provides that media workers shall be deemed regular employees after six months of employment.
Media workers shall also have social security coverage and shall be granted with additional mandatory benefits, such as death benefit, disability benefit, and medical insurance.
“While the CHR lauds the bill’s ideals, we equally hope the measure also contemplates support that can be rendered for small media companies and community newspapers that do not have the capacity to provide full benefits and may resort to closure instead,” De Guia added.
In 2018, CHR has also issued a resolution formalizing the creation of a Task Force on Media-Related Extrajudicial Killings to monitor and investigate media attacks. Partnerships and joint activities have also been conducted with media groups to better protect and promote the rights and freedoms of journalists.