Government moves closer to giving higher pay, better benefits to media workers

By Prince Golez

The government is a “step closer” to providing additional benefits and protection for media workers, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar said.

In a statement on Tuesday, Andanar welcomed the approval of the proposed Media Workers Welfare Act on third and final reading at the House of Representatives.

“We welcome the passage of the Media Workers Welfare Bill on its third and final reading at the House of Representatives, as this brings us a step closer to realizing a law that provides protection and additional benefits for members of the media,” he said.

A total of 218 congressmen voted for the passage of House Bill No. (HBN) 8140, which aims to provide enhanced protection, security, and benefits for media workers.

“The PCOO sees the HOR’s passage of this bill as a positive development, our office being among those who have been pushing for its swift passage,” according to Andanar.

The secretary also said the proposal will guarantee media workers security of tenure after the probationary work period of six months of continuous service.

“Our continued endeavor to help push for the bill’s passage is another testament to the Duterte administration’s desire to protect and uphold the rights, welfare, and safety of media workers,” he said.

Under HBN 8140, media workers and entities in the private sector are entitled to minimum wage prescribed by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board, overtime pay, night shift premiums, retirement benefits, other forms of compensation provided under the Labor Code of the Philippines and other related laws.

Source: Latest Politics News Today (Politics.com.ph)