MANILA, Philippines – Isinumite ni Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero ang Senate Bill No. 498 o ang Line Workers Insurance and Benefits Act, na naglalayong magbigay ng insurance coverage at karagdagang benepisyo sa mga linemen at iba pang kawani sa sektor ng kuryente na nagtatayo, nagpapanatili, at nag-aayos ng transmission at distribution systems sa bansa.
Ayon kay Escudero, mahalaga ang mas malawak na proteksyon para sa mga trabahador sa power sector dahil sila ay gumagawa ng kritikal at delikadong trabaho.
“A number of them do so bereft of any form of coverage against death, accidents, illness, and other fortuitous events that could be sustained in the line of duty,” paliwanag ng senador.
Layunin ng panukala na obligahin ang private distribution utilities, electric cooperatives, at transmission/grid operators na magbigay ng insurance at benepisyo tulad ng retirement at disability benefits, death at burial assistance, at medical reimbursements.
Saklaw din nito ang drivers, helpers, at support crew na kasama sa operasyon.
“Employers will be responsible for paying the full cost of insurance premiums, which cannot be deducted from employee wages. This provision ensures that workers receive full protection without bearing the financial burden,” dagdag ni Escudero.
Ayon sa kanya, naaprubahan na ng House of Representatives ang katumbas na panukala, House Bill No. 7561, sa ika-19 Kongreso.
“The provision of insurance coverage and other benefits would ensure that our line workers, as well as their families, are protected from the risks and perils of their chosen occupation,” sabi ng senador.
Ang SB No. 498 ay kasalukuyang nasa Committees on Energy at Labor ng Senado at umaasa si Escudero na mapag-uusapan ito sa susunod na sesyon ng Kongreso. RNT/MND
