ACT-CIS Partylist Rep. Eric Yap has co-authored a bill that will protect media workers in the country.
This was a surprise since Yap was one of the 70 congressmen who voted to deny ABS-CBN’s franchise application.
Yan also made headlines after disclosing the alleged bribery attempts by what he claims was an emissary of ABS-CBN for him to vote in favor of the Kapamilya network. He, however, retracted his claims later on saying he’s not sure if the person is really connected to ABS-CBN or just someone pretending to be.
ABS-CBN, on the other hand, immediately denied Yap’s accusation during that time. Others called Yap’s claims as black propaganda as he was not forthcoming with the details or even proof of the alleged bribe.
The Media Workers Welfare Act is a bill sponsored by Yap’s fellow ACT-CIS Partylist Rep. and former radio anchor Nina Taduran.
Taduran believed the measure will help empower the media which is considered as the Fourth Estate.
“It’s a fact that there are still media workers who are underpaid and unprotected. Binabarya-barya lang ng mga pinagta-trabahuhan nila (Their payment is not enough). It’s a cruel and thankless job but media workers keep on doing their best because of the desire to inform and entertain,” said Taduran.
Taduran also added that the bill if became law will eventually help media workers who are given dangerous and hazardous assignments because they will receive an additional PHP500 daily pay. Death and disability benefits of PHP200,000 will also be given to the affected media worker.
“They should also be provided with bulletproof vests and helmets and medical-grade personal protective equipment during hazardous coverage. Hindi na sila pasusugurin sa laban nang walang proteksyon (They will not be deployed without protection),” she added.
The bill came after the congress denied ABS-CBN’s franchise resulting in the retrenchment of thousands of its employees during the time of the COVID-19 crisis and closing of the majority of its business units.
