PTFoMS grateful for House approval of media workers’ welfare bill

MANILA – The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) on Thursday welcomed the decision of the House of Representatives to approve on final reading a proposed measure seeking to provide media workers with hazard pay, a living wage, employment safety, and additional insurance and hospitalization benefits.

A total of 252 lawmakers on Monday voted with no abstention to approve on the third reading House Bill (HB) 454 or the Media Workers Welfare Act (MWWA), a consolidation of five similar bills.

“The Presidential Task Force on Media Security is grateful for the unanimous approval by the House of Representatives of House Bill No. 454, otherwise known as the Media Workers Welfare Act, on the third and final reading,” the task force said in a press statement.

The PTFoMS said the number of votes shows the “overwhelming aspiration” of lawmakers to improve the welfare of media workers, especially as the nation commemorates the 13th year of the Maguindanao massacre.

About 58 people, including 32 journalists and media workers, were supposed to witness the filing of the candidacy of then Buluan Vice Mayor Esmael Mangudadatu for the 2010 gubernatorial elections but were flagged down and massacred by gunmen in Ampatuan, Maguindanao on Nov. 23, 2009.

“This also serves as a fitting and timely tribute to those who fearlessly toil day and night to give the Filipino people the news, especially with the recent commemoration of the 13th anniversary of the Maguindanao Massacre where 32 media practitioners were killed,” the task force added.

Under HB 454, media workers required to physically report for work in dangerous places, such as embattled and disease-stricken areas, will receive hazard pay of PHP500 a day and shall be provided with