Tambunting bats for nat'l esports gamers benefits, privileges
(MANILA BULLETIN)
National esports gamers will be entitled to a host of benefits if and when this measure from Parañaque City 2nd district Rep. Gus Tambunting gets enacted. Tambunting penned and filed House Bill (HB) No.7888 in order to provide a legislative framework that safeguards and advances the rights and welfare of esports players. The bill is titled Magna Carta for esports gamers. "With millions of dollars in annual prize money, sponsorship fees, and advertising income, esports has also developed into a lucrative sector. Esports has had substantial growth in the Philippines, where multiple events and contests are held annually," the veteran solon said in the explanatory note of his bill. "Despite esports' rising popularity, it has become urgent to address the lack of a legal framework and protectiom for esports players. A large number of workers are not provided with any health benefits, including health insurance, scholarship programs, and other fundamental labor safeguards," he noted. National esports gamers or players refer to esports gamers who are Filipino citizens, recognized, and accredited by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), and who have represented the country in internatiinal esports competitions. Under HB No.7888, the following benefits and privileges will be given to National esports gamers: a) free medical and dental consultations in government hospitals and similar establishments anywhere in the country, b) coverage in the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation or PhilHealth, c) a comprehensive social security program to be formulated by the Social Security System (SSS) within 180 days from the approval of this Act, and d) priority in existing livelihood programs being undertaken by various government agencies subject to the guidelines and qualifications set by the implementing body. The Tambunting bill also contains language for scholarship benefits in the form of full tuition and allowances at any state university or college (SUC); and a lump sum of P100,000 as death benefit, to be given to the legitmate spouse or children of the national esports gamer. Meanwhile, the proposed law provides for free legal and medical consultations to all Filipino esports gamers. The bill is pending before the House Committee on Youth and Sports Development.