Senate Office of tie Soccetary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 25 AUG -7 P1:17 SENATE RECEIVED BY: S. B. No. 1084 Introduced by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian AN ACT PROCLAIMING THE FIRST MONDAY OF AUGUST EVERY YEAR AS LINEWORKER APPRECIATION DAY EXPLANATORY NOTE The backbone of our nation's power and telecommunications infrastructure is the network of electrical lines and cables that are maintained and repaired by a dedicated workforce known as lineworkers. These skilled tradespersons work tirelessly, often in hazardous conditions, to ensure the continuous flow of power and communications services to our communities. This bill seeks to recognize the invaluable contribution of lineworkers to national development and the well-being of the Filipino people. In acknowledgment of their tireless service and dedication, this bill seeks to proclaim the first Monday of August every year as National Lineworker Appreciation Day. This observance is not just a symbolic gesture but a reaffirmation of the State's commitment to recognize and uphold the dignity of labor, especially those who perform essential yet often overlooked roles in our society. By setting aside a day for their recognition, we aim to raise awareness of the crucial role these workers play in maintaining our nation's electrical and telecommunication infrastructure. It also serves as a reminder of the challenges and risks associated with their work, including working at great heights, handling high voltage lines, and often responding to emergencies in adverse weather conditions.
In view of the foregoing, immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. WIN GATCHALIAN
Denaie 1 Office ef the Secclare TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session ) 25 AUG -7 P1:17 SENATE 1084 RECEPYED MY S. B. No. _ Introduced by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian AN ACT PROCLAIMING THE FIRST MONDAY OF AUGUST EVERY YEAR AS LINEWORKER APPRECIATION DAY Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "National Lineworker
2 Appreciation Day Act".
SECTION 2. Declaration of State Policy. - The State recognizes the importance
4 of a reliable supply of electricity to different industries and households to achieve 5 continued economic growth and development. As such, a well-maintained electrical 6 transmission and distribution system and telecommunication network is needed. 7 Thus, the State acknowledges the role of lineworkers in maintaining the electrical transmission and distribution system and telecommunication network and in 9 contributing to sustainable rural development through total electrification and connectivity of the countryside and appreciates the contribution of lineworkers to nation-building.
SECTION 3. Definition of Lineworker. - For the purposes of this Act, a
"lineworker" is defined as a skilled tradesperson responsible for the construction, maintenance, and repair of electrical power systems and telecommunications lines. This includes working on high-voltage transmission lines, local distribution lines, and telecommunication cables, which are critical in ensuring the efficient and safe
1 transmission and distribution of electricity and connectivity through the 2 telecommunication network, often requiring work in challenging conditions to maintain 3 the infrastructure that powers and connects homes, industries, and essential services 4 across the nation.
SECTION 4. National Lineworker Appreciation Day. - The first Monday of
6 August of every year is hereby declared as National Linemen Appreciation Day.
SECTION 5. Program of Activities. - The National Electrification Administration
8 (NEA) and National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) shall, in coordination with 9 other stakeholders in the power and telecommunications industry, including electric cooperatives, private distribution utilities, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), National Transmission Corporation (TransCo), and other organizations employing lineworkers, shall conduct lecture sessions for lineworkers, such as trainings and seminars to ensure the significance of the National Lineworker Appreciation Day and its meaningful observance. The NEA and NTC shall spearhead the conduct of an annual national convention as part of the program of activities for this day. Electric cooperatives shall likewise support the NEA in all its efforts to promote and facilitate related activities. The Department of Energy (DOE), private distribution utilities, NGCP, TransCo, telecommunication companies, and other organizations employing lineworkers, are hereby enjoined to launch activities such as learning sessions for lineworkers in celebration of the National Linemen Appreciation Day.
SECTION 6. Rules and Regulations. - The NEA and NTC, in consultation with
public and private stakeholders, shall, if necessary, promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this Act.
SECTION 7. Separability Clause. - If for any reason, any provision of this Act
is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 8. Repealing Clause. - All laws, executive orders, issuances, decrees,
2 rules and regulations inconsistent with or contrary to the provisions of this Act are hereby amended, modified, and repealed accordingly.
SECTION 9. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen days (15) after its
5 publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,