The House of Representatives on Monday approved on third and final reading a measure seeking to provide enhanced protection, security, and benefits for media workers.
With an overwhelming 218 votes, the chamber approved House Bill 8140, or the proposed “Media Workers’ Welfare Act.”
The measure aims to ensure that media workers are paid sufficient wages, allowances, and benefits that the law provides to all employees, and promote an atmosphere conducive to productive and free media.
Under the bill, media workers and entities in the private sector are entitled to minimum wage prescribed by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board, as well as to overtime pay, night shift premiums, hazard pay, and other forms of compensation provided under the Labor Code of the Philippines and other related laws.
The measure also ensures the security of tenure for media workers after the probationary work period of six months of continuous work.