Communications Secretary Martin Andanar has asked members of the media to support the passage of the Media Workers’ Welfare Act, saying it was high time for media workers to take winning the side of their own welfare.
Andanar said the support of the media workers is vital in the passage of the measure.
“If we, as members of media, can write our congressmen and senators to support the Media Worker’s Welfare Act, we can be a major instrument in the removal of some of the vulnerabilities of our fellow workers,” he said.
Andanar said that if media workers could help elect officials, then it could also be the key to the passage of the measure that would protect them.
“Ang panawagan ko sa inyong lahat, sa lahat ng kabaro natin, tingnan ho natin ‘yung posibilidad na supportahan ‘yung Media Workers’ Welfare Act,” he said.
“Kung kaya niyong magpapanalo ng konsehal, kayang magppanalo ng mayor, vice mayor, congressman, senador, presidente, eh bakit tayo ‘di natin kaya ipanalo sarili natin?” he added.
The former broadcast journalist said the proposed bill will help address the economic vulnerabilities of media workers, especially in some provinces where broadcasters have meager opportunities to earn. He also mentioned journalists who take on block-timing.
“’Yung mga kabaro po natin sa ibang mga lugar, sa ibang probinsya po ay napakataas ng economic vulnerability,” Andanar said.
He added that the bill was comprehensive, covering not only the general welfare, but also ensuring capacity in the availing of housing programs, regular employment, job security, and health benefits.
“This administration is working very hard to protect every media worker in this country who is threatened, and also to go after the criminals who have assassinated or killed other media workers,” he said.
Andanar’s call for support for the passage of the measure came as the country finally witnessed the end of the 10-year Maguindanao massacre case which resulted to the conviction of the three Ampatuan brothers, among others.
House Bill No. 2476 or the Media Workers’ Welfare Act seeks to grant media workers insurance benefits by the Social Security System and other remunerations that are due for regular employees.
The measure also seeks to ensure the creation of a safe and protected atmosphere conducive to a productive, free, and fruitful media work. (Argyll Cyrus B. Geducos)
