With the passage on final reading at the House of Representatives of the bill on Media Workers’ Welfare Act, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is looking forward to a "more open and consultative climate" between the government and journalists in the country.
The CHR said that the enactment into law of House Bill No. 454, the government and journalists will be able to better explore and create responsive solutions to the needs and challenges faced by the media -- from basic social security and welfare benefits to medical insurance, and death benefits for the family should a media worker die in the line of duty.
"The CHR has long since stood in solidarity with the media community and called for substantive legislation that will foster a healthy media environment, where workers are not only able to conduct their duty without fear of intimidation, violence, or reprisals, but also boost their collective morale," the CHR said in a statement.
On top of the benefits, the CHR also cited the bill's measure on the responsibilities that should be shouldered by media workers, since this will bolster the culture of due diligence and truth-telling.
"The Commission similarly looks forward to the proposed creation of a News Media Tripartite Council under the bill, which will serve as a platform for dialogue between media workers and their employers," it said.
"Such will be an exercise of freedom of expression wherein parties can have the opportunity to discuss issues on labor concerns as well as the development of the media industry," it also said.
At the same time, the CHR called for the enactment of support for community media and publications that may lack funding to implement the bill’s provisions.
Lastly, the CHR said it hopes the bill will further promote press freedom, democracy, and human rights in the country.
"We look forward to a more open and consultative climate between the government and journalists in the country to better explore and appropriate responsive solutions to challenges faced in practice and on the ground," it said.
TAGS: #CHR #HB No. 454 #Journalists