CHR backs media workers’ protection bill

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Wednesday expressed its support for the passage of the House Bill (HB) No. 454 or the media workers’ welfare bill.

HB 454 was passed in its last reading in the House of Representatives last November. The bill aims to provide media workers with more security, benefits and protection.

“CHR thus supports the passage, through a unanimous vote, of House Bill (HB) No. 454 or the Media Workers’ Welfare Act on its final reading at the House of Representatives on 21 November 2022,” said the Commission in a statement.

According to the CHR, the bill is in line with Article XIII, Section 3 of the 1987 Constitution, which states that “the State shall afford full protection to labor, local and overseas, organized and unorganized, and promote full employment and equality of employment opportunities for all.”

The Commission also backed a previous recommendation from the United Nations Human Rights Committee urging the government to refrain from the prosecution and imprisonment of media workers and civil society actors.

Community media and publications should also be financially supported so that they may implement the bill’s provisions, said the CHR.

“We ask that their position also be taken into consideration during the bicameral conference of the lower and upper Congress chambers,” the Commission stated.

The CHR also hoped that “HB 454 may signal more advances for the state of press freedom, democracy, and human rights in the country. We look forward to a more open and consultative climate between the government and journalists in the country to better explore and appropriate responsive solutions to challenges faced in practice and on the ground.”

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