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Under the media workers’ welfare bill, the press is still free.

The House of Representatives’ efforts to advance the welfare of media workers and guarantee the freedom of the press is highlighted by the passage of the legislation giving them better protection, security, and benefits, according to Speaker Martin Romualdez on Monday.

Romualdez made the remarks after the lower chamber passed House Bill 454โ€”also known as the proposed Media Workers’ Welfare Actโ€”on its third and final reading with 252 votes in favor, 0 against it, and 0 abstentions.

Romualdez stated, “We view the Fourth Estate as a crucial partner in fostering our nation and safeguarding our democracy.

Party-list ACT-CIS The legislation, according to its author, Rep. Jeffrey Soriano, is intended to foster an environment that is secure, protected, and favorable for media activity that is efficient, unrestricted, and beneficial.

According to Soriano, “this law intends to ensure that our media workers are provided humane conditions of work, living wages, and complete benefits packages at par with the current benefits enjoyed by the labor force in both the public and private sectors.”

All media professionals and businesses operating in the private sector must comply with HB 454.

The proposed law states that the minimum wage for media workers cannot be less than the regional tripartite wage and productivity board’s established minimum wage.

Workers in the media are eligible for overtime pay and night shift compensation.

Upon employment, media professionals must be covered by the Philippine Health Insurance Corp., Home Development Mutual Fund, and Social Security System. According to current regulations, the employee and the company will split the cost of the monthly premiums.

Additionally, it calls for a PHP200,000 maximum death payment, a PHP200,000 maximum disability benefit, and a PHP100,000 maximum medical insurance benefit.

A hazard pay of PHP 500 per day is provided to media personnel who are expected to physically report for duty in hazardous locations, including conflict zones and disease-ridden regions.

After six months from the date of employment, they will be considered regular employees. A worker’s employment cannot be terminated by an employer unless there is good reason and due procedure is followed.

A News Media Tripartite Council shall be established to act as a liaison between various stakeholders and as a forum for media employees and employers to negotiate mutually beneficial policies and initiatives and to resolve disagreements.

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