The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) supported the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) recommendation for the private sector to provide paid isolation and quarantine leave for its employees.
But, the CHR stressed that the government should extend support to businesses that wish to do so.
In a statement issued by Spokesperson and lawyer Jacqueline Ann de Guia on Friday, Jan. 21, the CHR acknowledged that some businesses might not be able to provide financial support to their workers even if they wished to do so.
Thus, De Guia said, "appropriate support be provided by the government, particularly to struggling businesses, which may want to provide such benefit but are equally challenged in staying afloat in the midst of the pandemic."
She pointed out that paid isolation and quarantine leaves can give workers the chance to focus on recovery without being burdened by financial constraints. As they get well, employees can "eventually contribute back to economic recovery," she said.
"This advice to the private sector, while not mandatory, can help in addressing the loss of income due to self-isolation and quarantine because of COVID-19," she also said.
The DOLE’s recommendation was contained in Labor Advisory No. 1, s.2022. The DOLE wanted "to ensure safe and humane working conditions" by urging employers in the private sector "to adopt and implement an appropriate paid isolation and quarantine leave program."