Hazard pay for health and service workers needed amid COVID-19 situation, says Hontiveros

Workers who are continuously providing their services to the public despite the threat of contracting the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) should be entitled to hazard pay, according to Senator Risa Hontiveros on Monday.

“Hindi lang dagdag face masks at protective wear ang kailangan ng ating mga health professionals at ibang frontliners laban sa COVID-19. Kailangan din nila ng dagdag takehome pay na naa[a]yon sa matinding pagod at panganib na kanilang iniinda at hinaharap,” Hontiveros said in a statement.

Citing Republic Act 7305 or the Magna Carta of Public Health Workers, she said medical professionals could receive hazard pay of up to 25% of their monthly salary, depending on their pay grade.

She added that additional compensation must also be provided to other public servants who unceasingly perform their duties to maintain public order and safety amid the health emergency, such as policemen, military, immigration officers, and other government employees.

On the other hand, the lawmaker also urged employers in the private sector to provide hazard pay to their workers even though there is currently no law requiring them to do so.

“Without our underappreciated security guards, shopping attendants, cashiers and other workers providing basic services, life in the metro as we know it would grind to a halt," she said.

"Let us extend a helping hand to these workers who in turn, help preserve some sense of normalcy in our communities, even in these difficult times," she added.

The number of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines leaped to 140 on Sunday night with 12 of it resulting in deaths.

Metro Manila is currently under community quarantine to curb the further spread of the virus. Mobility to and from outside the region is limited to workers, government officials, persons with medical needs, and those who have to catch international flights to other countries. — Dona Magsino/RSJ, GMA News