House Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda on Monday, May 3, called on the government to increase protection and support for journalists and media practitioners in the Philippines.

The Antique Representative said it is necessary for the state to launch programs that are responsive to the needs of journalists and aimed at protecting their rights and welfare.

“Freedom of the press is essential for democracy. It is the right of the people to be given truthful and timely information, especially in these trying times,” said Legarda in her World Press Freedom Day message.

“Press freedom is equated to transparency which enables our people to engage in meaningful participation in public affairs. It also promotes accountability and curtails corruption, a long-standing obstacle to our country’s development,” she stressed.

The former senator, however, noted that the country’s journalists “have been in a dire situation for years.”

“They have been covering real-time news that put their lives in danger, while having to deal with difficult work conditions, some having no security of tenure and receiving meager amount for the needs of their families, especially those from small stations in the provinces, freelancers, and those under project employment contracts,” said Legarda, who is also a former broadcast journalist prior to being an elected government official.

“We have to strengthen our protection and support for the welfare of our journalists for them to be able to continue upholding truth and transparency in our society,” she stressed.

Legarda has co-authored House Bill No. 8140 or the Media Workers’ Welfare Act which is already approved on third and final reading. She is also pursuing passage of House Bill No. 8140 which seeks to ensure media workers’ protection, security and better compensation benefits.

House Bill No. 8140 seeks to require media companies to regularize all media workers after the probationary period of six (6) months.

The bill also seeks to ensure that media workers would receive minimum wage rate prescribed by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board, overtime pay, night shift premiums, and SSS, Pag-Ibig and PhilHealth benefits.

The measure also prescribes hazard pay of P500 per day to those who have to report for work in areas considered to be unsafe, as well as mandatory additional insurance benefits of up to P200,000 in case of death and disability and up to P100,000 for medical insurance, among others.

“The contribution of media practitioners cannot be over-emphasized. The media, who provides and ensures the flow of information on national interests and public welfare across the nation, is a powerful sector in nation-building,” Legarda said.

“As they work hard to bring the truth to the people despite the risks they face in their jobs, we should address their concerns, ensure their security, respect their rights, and give them benefits that are due them,” she stressed.