The House of Representatives approved the third and final reading of House Bill 454 which ensures benefits and enhanced protection for workers in the media industry.
The House of Representatives approved with an overwhelming 252 votes on the third and final reading a bill providing enhanced protection, security, and benefits for media workers.
Speaker Martin G. Romualdez said that the approval highlights the importance of promoting the welfare of media personnel and ensuring that the press remains free.
“We regard the Fourth Estate as an essential partner in nation building and in protecting our democracy.” He said.
House Bill (HB) 454 is a collection of five related bills written by dozens of House members.
Other authors include House Majority Leader Manuel Jose “Mannix” M. Dalipe, Reps. Patrick Michael “PM” D. Vargas, Jeffrey Soriano, Eric G. Yap, Paolo Z. Duterte, Edvic G. Yap, Raul Angelo “Jil” Bongalon, Luis Raymund “Lray” Villafuerte Jr., Miguel Luis Villafuerte, Tsuyoshi Anthony G. Horibata, Nicolas C. Enciso VIII, Alfred C. Delos Santos, France L. Castro, Arlene D. Brosas, Raoul Danniel A. Manuel, Juan Fidel Felipe F. Nograles, Mary Mitzi L. Cajayon-Uy, Charisse Anne C. Hernandez, Keith Micah “Atty. Mike” D.L. Tan, Allan U. Ty, Christopherson “Coco” M. Yap, Munir N. Arbison Jr., Christopher V.P. De Venecia, Edcel C. Lagman, Romeo M. Acop, Bonifacio L. Bosita, Carl Nicolas C. Cari, Edwin L. Gardiola, Mark O. Go, Gerville R. Luistro, Khymer Adan T. Olaso, Rodolfo “Ompong” M. Ordanes, Florida “Rida” P. Robes, Geraldine B. Roman, Roman T. Romulo, Ma. Alana Samantha T. Santos, Leody “Odie” F. Tarriela, Jocelyn P. Tulfo, Richard Gomez, and Felimon M. Espares.
The proposed measure shall apply to all media workers and media entities in the private sector.
It defines media entities as “persons or organizations, including media networks and operators that actively gather information of potential interest to a segment of the public, turn collected information into a distinct work or distribute that work to an audience within the Philippines.”
Media workers are defined as “those who are legitimately engaged in news media practice directly or indirectly, whether as a principal occupation or not.”
The term “block timer” is defined as “one who buys airtime from radio and television franchise holders.”
HB 454
HB 454 provides that the minimum wage for media workers cannot be less than the applicable minimum wage set by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board. They are also entitled to overtime and night shift pay as provided by the Labor Code and related laws.
Upon employment, media personnel will be covered by the Social Security System (SSS), the Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-IBIG Fund, and the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. Monthly premiums must be shared by the employee and the employer in accordance with existing rules.
Personnel required to physically report for work in dangerous areas such as embattled and disease-stricken areas will be paid P500 per day as hazard pay. Employers must provide them with protective equipment such as bulletproof vest to further ensure their protection.
Media workers are entitled to a P200,000 death benefit, a P200,000 disability benefit, and a P100,000 medical insurance policy.
After six months of employment, they will be considered regular employees. An employer may not terminate an employee's services unless there is just cause and due process is followed.
All labor-related disputes must be resolved by the regional office of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), which has jurisdiction over the workplace.
HB 454 holds media entities liable for all content released on their platforms, including those purveyed by block timers, unless they can demonstrate due diligence or that the fault, misconduct, or violation of law was committed solely by the media worker or block timer.
Violations of the proposed law will result in penalties under the Labor Code.
The bill directs the DOLE secretary to form the News Media Tripartite Council, which will link various stakeholders and provide a platform for media workers and employers to agree on mutually beneficial policies and programs to settle disputes.
The bill also requires the DOLE secretary, in collaboration with stakeholders, to issue implementing rules and regulations (IRR) within 90 days of the bill's enactment.
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