TWO party-list lawmakers have filed a bill seeking stronger protection, welfare, and labor standards for media practitioners.
In filing House Bill (HB) 7431, or the Media Personnel Protection and Welfare Act, newly sworn-in lawmakers Alfredo Garbin Jr and Jan Almario Chan of Ako Bicol party-list cited the risks and economic challenges faced by journalists and other news workers.
The measure aims to strengthen labor and safety protections for media personnel across various platforms, including reporters, field correspondents, photojournalists, camera operators, editors, producers, and other workers involved in news gathering and dissemination nationwide.
Under the proposed measure, the state recognizes the role of media workers in delivering information from the frontlines of conflict, disasters, public emergencies, and issues involving public accountability.
