Published May 3, 2021, 1:36 PM
CHR Spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has requested the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to give details on the compensation for workers who fell ill due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infection.
The request was made after the Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC) announced that COVID-19 has been recognized as one of the occupational and work-related diseases and those positive with infection can receive compensation from the government.
In a statement issued on Monday, May 3, CHR Spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia said it is important for the DOLE to explain the details of the ECC’s announcement.
Workers wearing face masks ride atop a truck in Iloilo City. (Tara Yap/MANILA BULLETIN)
The chairman of the Senate labor committee said the inclusion would further provide relief to workers who contract the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and would convince virus-stricken workers to stay home since there would be support coming from the government.
“Kadalasan kasi, walang choice po at ating mga manggagawa (Because most of the time, our workers are left with no choice. It is either death by COVID-19 or death by hunger,” Villanueva said in his statement.
“At pag nagkasakit ka ng dahil sa COVID, madalas pong naiiwan mag-isa ang may sakit. Wala nang tulong na maaasahan. Ngayon po, makakatakbo ang ating mga manggagawa sa ECC para sa saklolo (And when they contract COVID-19, they are left alone. Now, our workers can seek the help of ECC),” he added.
April 30, 2021 THE Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC) has added the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) to its list of occupational and work-related diseases that are compensable under the employees compensation program (ECP).
In a statement, ECC Executive Director Stella Zipagan-Banawis said Board Resolution 21-04-14 specifies the conditions for compensability of Covid-19.
“It is only proper that we formulate and pass policies that will effectively and efficiently respond to the current situation and changing needs of workers. We recognize the risk of those who courageously and willingly put their lives on the line as we continue to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic,” she said.