Enhanced protection for Filipino journalists pressed
AS the Philippines ranks 9th in the Global Impunity Index for journalist killings, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has underscored the urgent need for enhanced protections for Filipino media workers.
The country remains one of the most dangerous places for journalists, joining nations like Somalia, Iraq, and Mexico, where justice for murdered journalists is rare. The ranking, issued by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), highlights unresolved killings of journalists and the high rate of impunity in the Philippines.
Senator Go, a member of the Senate Committee on Public Information, expressed concern over the challenges media workers face and emphasized the critical role they play in a democratic society.
As a legislator, he has advocated for stronger safeguards through Senate Bill No. 1183, also known as the Media and Entertainment Workers Welfare Act, which he filed earlier.
The proposed law aims to reinforce media worker protections and provide enhanced benefits across all platforms, including broadcast, print, and digital media.
Under this measure, media employers would be required to establish written contracts with employees to ensure equitable treatment and uphold journalists’ rights.
This includes provisions for health insurance, overtime and night differential pay, hazard pay, and other essential benefits to protect media workers from unfair treatment and exploitation.
“We must ensure that our media professionals are properly supported and compensated, particularly given the critical nature of their work,” Go emphasized.
Go also reiterated, “Hindi matatawaran ang kontribusyon ng ating mga mamamahayag sa ating bansa. Sila ang nagdadala ng boses ng katotohanan sa ating mga mamamayan, kahit na ang kapalit nito ay sariling nilang kaligtasan. Kaya’t kailangan nating tiyakin na sila ay protektado at may sapat na benepisyo at seguridad sa kanilang trabaho.”
Further advocating for media workers’ welfare, Go co-authored Republic Act 11996, or the Eddie Garcia Law, which mandates fair working hours, equitable pay, and inclusivity for all media and television workers.
Named after the late actor Eddie Garcia, the law enforces just working conditions and ensures fair treatment for media personnel regardless of race, ethnicity, or religion.
