Full payment of compensation and benefits to the families of community disaster personnel who lost their lives in the performance of their duties must be implemented, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said.
Thus, the CHR declared its full support to the enactment into law of Senate Bill No. 1354 (SB 1354), the Disaster Personnel Benefits Act, which aims "to properly compensate the families of rescuers who died during their deployment in disaster areas."
SB 1354 was introduced by Senator Mark Villar who said that no amount of compensation will ever be sufficient for the families who lost a loved one.
But Villas stressed that it is the responsibility of the State to recognize and provide just compensation for the bravery and sacrifices of the selfless individuals who died in the line of duty.
The CHR agrees with Villar: "The Commission recognizes the need for rightful compensation to the families of fallen disaster personnel. This is in line with the right to security of workers, especially during periods of emergency and disasters when the families of disaster personnel are at risk of being pushed into disadvantageous situation. Such benefit is a form of concrete assurance and protection for the disaster personnel and their families."
It said the proposed law is also a commitment from the Senate that it will ensure just compensation and provide a dignified life for the family of rescuers who perish in the line of duty. In doing so, the government is honoring their heroism, sacrifice, and dedication to the call of duty, it also said.
"At the same time, we stress the importance of ensuring that such deaths are prevented through the provision of necessary equipment, training, and tools that will enhance the safety and welfare of our disaster personnel as enshrined in Section 13 of Republic Act No. 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Reduction and Management Act," the CHR said.
It pointed out that having a proactive disaster preparedness response is still the best way to safeguard the lives of disaster personnel during emergency operations, and it is in compliance with the State's policy "to protect every worker against injury, sickness, or death through safe and healthy working conditions."