The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) reaffirms its commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of media and entertainment workers in the country.

In line with this, the Commission has issued a position paper on Senate Bill (SB) No. 2427, also known as the Media and Entertainment Workers’ Welfare Act, which is currently pending before the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment, and Human Resources Development. The proposed legislation aims to enhance protection, security, and benefits for media and entertainment professionals, ensuring fair treatment and improved working conditions.

CHR’s position paper puts forward key recommendations to strengthen the bill and ensure its effective implementation. One of the Commission’s primary concerns is the need for a clear dispute resolution mechanism in employment contracts to facilitate fair and efficient conflict resolution. CHR also underscores the necessity of regular reviews and adjustments to overtime pay and night shift differential rates to keep them competitive and reflective of economic conditions.

Furthermore, the Commission highlights the importance of implementing hazard pay for media workers assigned to dangerous areas, with clear guidelines to ensure consistency and fairness. In addition, CHR supports the proposal to establish a News Media Tripartite Council to foster dialogue among media workers, companies, and government agencies. This aligns with the Philippine Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists or PPASJ, which emphasizes a multi-stakeholder approach in addressing the unique risks and challenges faced by media professionals.

SB 2427 supports the PPASJ’s objectives of strengthening legal protections, ensuring fair labor conditions, and fostering multi-sectoral collaboration to address threats and challenges faced by media professionals. Together, these initiatives contribute to a more secure and enabling environment for media practitioners, reinforcing their role in a democratic society.

These recommendations reflect just some of the key points outlined in the position paper. To access the full document, click here: https://bit.ly/3EQvcPw

In this regard, the Commission acknowledges the efforts of Senator Joel Villanueva in championing this significant legislation.

As the country’s independent national human rights institution, the CHR strongly supports the passage of SB 2427 as a crucial step toward ensuring the protection, security, and well-being of media and entertainment workers in the country. ###