Journalist Protection Act

TWEENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 25 JUL -9 ?5:08 SENATE ...- S. No. _ Introduced by SENATOR CAMILLE VILLAR AN ACT PROVIDING FOR MANDATORY INSURANCE COVERAGE AND BENEFITS AND HAZARD PAY FOR JOURNALISTS, EMPLOYEES OF MEDIA ENTITIES ON FIELD ASSIGNMENTS AND FREELANCE JOURNALISTS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES EXPLANATORY NOTE Freedom of the press is a constitutional right enshrined in the 1987 Philippine Constitution as declared in the following provisions: "No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right of the people to peaceably assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances."1 "The State shall provide the policy environment for the full development of Filipino capability and the emergence of communication structures suitable to the needs and aspirations of the nation and the balanced flow of information into, out of, and across the country, in accordance with a policy that respects the freedom of speech and of the press. " Yet, despite these protections, the Philippines continues to rank as one of the most perilous countries in the world for journalists. As of 2023, over 190 journalists have been killed since the year 1986. In the year 2022 alone, at least three journalists were reported killed in the line of duty while to this day, hundreds continue to face harassment, intimidation, and varying threats to safety. 1 1987 Philippine Constitution, Artice III, Section 4 2 1987 Philippine Constitution, Article XVI, Section 10

Journalists are "frontliners" in the truest sense. In times of disaster, crisis, conflict, political upheaval, or public emergency, journalists provide the public with timely and often, life-saving information. Whether it be typhoons, civil unrest, insurgencies, or pandemics, they are on the ground, bridging the gap between the events and public awareness. Their work holds those in power accountable and helps sustain a functioning democracy. Despite the essential nature of their role, however, journalists, especially those in the field, often lack adequate protection and benefits. This bill seeks to change that. It proposes the institutionalization of stronger protection mechanisms and financial safeguards for all journalists, whether employed full-time or working freelance. It is time that the country matched its constitutional commitment to press freedom with a concrete investment in the safety and welfare of those who uphold it. The benefits proposed in this bill are not mere privileged - they are long overdue safeguards for a profession that plays a vital role in keeping the public informed, empowered, and free. As such, approval of this bill is sought. Camillicruein CAMILLE VILLAR

TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) First Regular Session 25 JUL -9 95:08 SENATE SEt: S. No. _ Introduced by SENATOR CAMILLE VILLAR AN ACT PROVIDING FOR MANDATORY INSURANCE COVERAGE AND BENEFITS AND HAZARD PAY FOR JOURNALISTS, EMPLOYEES OF MEDIA ENTITIES ON FIELD ASSIGNMENTS AND FREELANCE JOURNALISTS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled: ARTICLE I GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as "Journalist Protection Act".

Sec. 2. Declaration of Principles, - The State recognizes the invaluable role of

the free press in the protection and promotion of democracy, good citizenship, civic mindedness, and good grievance. Towards this end, the State shall provide the necessary support to ensure that the journalists are property compensated and insured as they practice their profession.

Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the following terms shall

mean: a. Editorial and/or News Department refers to editors-in chief, news editors, columnists, deskmen, reporters, correspondents, and

photographers in the case of print media; and news editors, newscasters, commentators / announcers, field reporters, field correspondents, and cameramen in the case of the broadcast media; b. Freelance journalist refers to one who pursues journalism and writes for any publication without being regularly employed by such publication, television or radio, wired, wireless broadcasting and online services; C. Front-line media persons refer to those directly involved in data- gathering from the field, and news reporting whether in print, on television or on radio, such as, but not limited to, print reporters, cameramen, photojournalists, radio reporters and television reporters; d. Journalism refers to the gathering, writing, editing, processing and dissemination of news and production or publishing of newspapers and other such publications such as magazines and pamphlets and other processes through wired, wireless broadcasting, and online services; e. Journalist shall mean any member of the Editorial and / or News Department including front-line media persons; f. Media entities refer to all companies in the print and broadcast media (radio, television and newspapers) that are involved in the dissemination of news and information for public consumption. They are duly registered with and accredited by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and by any reputable association of the media persons such as, but not limited to, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Philippine Press Institute (PPI), Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP), Photojournalists' Center of the Philippines (PCP), People Alternative Media Network (Altermidya), National Press Club (NPC), National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) and Kapisanan ng mga Broadcaster ng Pilipinas (KBP).

Sec. 4.

• Coverage. - This Act shall apply to all permanent, temporary, contractual and casual journalist employees or engaged to work by all existing media entitles in the Philippines, as well as freelance journalists plying their duty in war-torn, disease stricken, or otherwise perilous areas.

Sec. 5. Mandatory Additional Insurance Benefits for Journalists, and Employees

2 of Media Entities on Field Assignments. - In addition to the present insurance benefits 3 provided to journalists and employees of media entities on field assignments by the 4 Social Security System (SSS) as mandated under Republic Act No. 8282, otherwise 5 known as the Social Security Law, and by the Government Service Insurance System 6 (GSIS) under R.A. No. 8291, there shall be an additional insurance coverage to be 7 provided by media entities to journalists and their employees on field assignments and front-line media persons which shall give the following minimum benefits: 1. Disability Benefits - Three Hundred Fifty Thousand Pesos (PhP350,000.00) for all mass media practitioners who shall suffer total or partial disability, whether permanent or temporary, as a result of any injury sustained during performance of duty; 2. Death Benefits - Three Hundred Thousand Pesos (PhP300,000.00) for all mass media practitioners and employees on field assignment who shall perish in the line of duty; and 3. Reimbursement of actual medical costs - Up to Two Hundred Thousand Pesos (PhP200,000.00) for all mass media practitioners and employees on field assignments who shall require medical assistance for injuries sustained while in the performance of duty. The media entity shall have the option of selecting the insurance company and shall be responsible for paying the insurance premiums for their journalists and employees.

Sec. 6. Insurance for Freelance Journalists. - The SSS and GSIS shall create a

special insurance program for freelance journalists that shall include, among others, a coverage of risks incurred while working in war zones, conflict-stricken areas, and calamity-affected places.

Sec. 7. Prohibited Acts. - The following acts shall be prohibited:

a. Refusal or failure by a media entity to provide additional insurance coverage referred to in Section 5 of this Act; b. Refusal by an insurance company to enroll journalists, employees of mass media entities on field assignment and freelance journalists on account of the nature of their work; and C. Non-compliance with the rules and regulations that the GSIS, SSS, and PIA shall adopt for the implementation of this Act.

Sec. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The GSIS, SSS, PIA, in

consultation with the NPC, NUJP, KBP, and other duly registered media associations, shall promulgate and issue the rules and regulations necessary to strictly implement 12 the provisions of this Act.

Sec. 9. Separability Clause. - If any section or provision of this Act shall be

declared unconstitutional or invalid, the other sections or provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

Sec. 10. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, or rules and regulations

which are inconsistent or contrary to the provisions of this Act are hereby amended 20 or repealed accordingly.

Sec. 11. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation. Approved,