More pay for utility, security personnel urged

MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto on Monday urged President Duterte to issue an order providing additional pay to “unheralded” utility and security personnel of hospitals whose critical roles in the fight against the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) are often neglected.

Recto said janitors, security guards, sanitation workers and other maintenance personnel hired by public hospitals through private manpower agencies should also be considered front-liners as they are exposed to the same health risks that doctors and nurses face every day.

“In the war against COVID-19, they report to their battle stations every day with the smallest of compensations,” Recto said.

—Marlon Ramos