Press Release
February 3, 2008

Senator bats for minimum pay & benefit standards for journalists

Sen. Loren Legarda has introduced a bill seeking to institute comprehensive minimum compensation and benefit standards for all working journalists.

Senate Bill 1398 seeks to promote the welfare of journalists through standardized policies on their work condition, salary, allowances and other benefits.

"Journalists, being constantly exposed to occupational hazards, should be accorded greater financial and social security," said Legarda, a former broadcast journalist.

Under Legarda's bill, journalists assigned to strife-torn areas, distressed or isolated stations, prison camps, disease-infected sites or areas under a state of calamity shall be entitled to hazard allowances equal to at least 50 percent of their monthly basic salary.

In addition, journalists required to work between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. shall be entitled to night shift differential pay equal to at least 10 percent of their regular wage for each hour of work performed.

The bill also sets minimum premium pay rates for journalists (up to 50 percent on top of their regular wage) called to report for work on holidays or on their rest days. It also provides for the conversion of unused leave credits into cash benefits.

The bill likewise exempts journalists on duty from paying the travel tax and terminal fees when in the performance of their jobs.

Legarda's bill also proposes to establish the National Journalists' Coordinating Council, to be headed by the Press Secretary.

The council shall oversee and monitor the proper implementation of all laws that promote the welfare of journalists in the country.

It shall also push for improved working conditions and pay rates for journalists; initiate policies for journalists to develop their full potentials and experience a sense of worth and dignity in their work; and create programs for their continuing education, training and personal development.

The council shall also ensure the strict observance of due process with regard to abused journalists; and encourage consultations with the government on issues affecting journalists.

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