The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has applauded the Quezon City government for including about 13,000 non-permanent employees in the city’s health insurance program.

In a statement issued by Spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia, the CHR said the program is a "concrete recognition" of a person's right to health and equal protection.

"Employers have the obligation to ensure the health and wellness of employees regardless of their status,” De Guia said.

She said the CHR is “hopeful that more local government units (LGUs) and public offices will provide similar health security programs for non-permanent workers to protect their health, cushion them from economic vulnerability, and uplift their dignity.”

The Quezon City’s health insurance program covers all full-time contract of service, job order, and consultant employees of the executive and legislative branches that have rendered at least six months of continuous and uninterrupted service prior to Feb. 1.

"CHR commends this program as it ensures the attainment of accessible healthcare to all workers regardless of their employment status. It is especially important during this period of pandemic due to the health risks that all workers are exposed to," De Guia, a lawyer, said.

"It also helps secure them from the economic uncertainty that health troubles may bring," she added.

She pointed out that given the COVID-19 health crisis, the work of public employees is crucial in the delivery of basic services, and non-permanent employees play an equally important role in the delivery of public service.

By covering their health insurance, De Guia stressed that the government is giving them a higher sense of security and protection, which in turn will translate to better performance of duties.