House bill seeks additional insurance coverage, hazard pay for journalists

This photo shows reporters covering Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., presumptive president-elect, waiting for a press conference of his spokesperson Vic Rodriguez on May 11 at the BBM HQ in Mandaluyong City.

Philstar.com / Kristine Joy Patag

MANILA, Philippines — A lawmaker is seeking to provide additional insurance benefits and a non-taxable hazard pay for journalists in the Philippines.

In House Bill No. 6543 or the proposed “Journalists Protection Act of 2022,” Rep. Camille Villar (Las Piñas) noted that with the nature of journalists’ jobs,  they go through dangerous situations, with some putting their lives on the line for coverage in order to produce news for the public. 

“It is time that journalists deserve the respect not only for the type of work that they are doing but also in the form of benefits that are long overdue. While some may not enjoy decent wages, it is necessary that journalists enjoy these perks as they have families that rely on them,” she wrote. 

Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/01/10/2236677/house-bill-seeks-additional-insurance-coverage-hazard-pay-journalists