SEN. Bong Go has called for enhanced protection of Filipino media workers after the Philippines ranked 9th in the Global Impunity Index for journalist killings.
The country remains one of the most dangerous places for journalists, joining Somalia, Iraq and Mexico, where justice for murdered journalists is rare.
The ranking, issued by the Committee to Protect Journalists, highlights unresolved killings of journalists and the high rate of impunity in the Philippines.
Go, a member of the Senate Committee on Public Information, expressed concern over the challenges media workers face and emphasized their critical role in a democratic society.
Citing past efforts in safeguarding the media, Go highlighted the establishment of the Task Force on Media Security under former president Rodrigo Duterte’s administration, reaffirming his commitment to supporting media safety.
As a legislator, he said he has advocated for more robust safeguards through Senate Bill 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 enhance benefits across all platforms, including broadcast, print and digital media.
Under this measure, media employers must establish written employee contracts 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.
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