Hontiveros reiterates call for workers' protection amid spike of COVID infection in workplaces

Senator Risa Hontiveros today renewed her call for the immediate passage of mandatory life and additional health insurance for private and public sector workers, saying that this is an 'essential' legislative measure that will protect workers' health and well-being especially with the rising COVID-19 cases in work spaces.

"Kailangang kumpletuhin ang proteksyon para sa mga manggagawang nakikipagsapalaran sa araw-araw para mabuhay ang kanilang pamilya. Our workers deserve better working conditions, full coverage and protection against today's risks lalo ngayong nagiging 'hot spots' na ang lugar ng kanilang trabaho," she said as she pushed once again the passage of Senate Bill No. 1441 or the "Balik Trabahong Ligtas Act".

The statement came after Quezon City confirmed that the surge in COVID-19 infections was also emanating from the workplace. Likewise, a group of healthcare workers has called on private companies to decongest workplaces and encourage work from home arrangements to contain infection surges.

Hontiveros stressed that with workplaces potentially turning into COVID 'hot spots', it is of utmost importance that safety nets are put in place for workers as they expose themselves to higher risk of infection.

Once the bill is passed, Hontiveros said that workers will be provided "flexible sick leave" that they can avail of on top of their existing 15-day statutory sick leave credits, presuming they have been infected while at work or if they have to go on leave in compliance with COVID-19 occupational safety guidelines of the government.

Hontiveros also explained that firms should co-finance the Philhealth premium of non-regular workers --including contractual, contract of service, probationary, and job order employees -- who cannot opt to work from home.

"Going to work and becoming sick creates financial risks for our workers, they need to know that we have them and their families covered," she said.

She furthered that workers need to be well-equipped so that they will be able to get back up when they are hit by the virus as well as when they go out to work in the very near future in the re-opened economy.

"Umaasa akong agaran nang ma-deliberate sa Komite ang ating panukala para sa mas komprehensibong proteksyon para sa mga manggagawa," Hontiveros said.

"Dahil sa pagtaas ng kaso ng COVID-19, ang ordinaryong manggagawa ang humaharap sa peligro. Umaasa akong sa gitna ng krisis ay nananatili tayong lipunang may pagkalinga sa ating manggagagawa, gutom man o COVID-19 ang kalaban," she concluded.