HOUSE PANEL OKAYS HAZARD PAY FOR WEST PH SEA PERSONNEL

THE House Special Committee on the West Philippine Sea chaired by Malabon Rep. Antolin Oreta III on Tuesday approved House Bill (HB) 8673, which seeks to provide civilian government personnel assigned or deployed in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) with hazard pay.

Oreta highlighted the valuable services and sacrifices of civilian government personnel assigned or deployed at the WPS, citing the important functions they perform, such as providing support for maritime operations, scientific research, fisheries protection, logistics support, and other essential activities under hazardous conditions.

In his sponsorship speech, Akbayan Partylist Rep. Percival “Perci” Cendaña expressed concern about the various dangers that personnel stationed in the area of the WPS experience daily.

He cited the injury a civilian personnel sustained on board a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources vessel after it was watercannoned by the Chinese Coast Guard, and the Philippine Navy personnel whose finger was amputated after their vessels were attacked by the Chinese Coast Guard.

Cendaña said these incidents justify the proposal for  hazard pay not only for frontliners stationed at sea but also for administrative and logistical support staff assigned to the area, who are also exposed to the same conditions.

He said they deserve the same adequate compensation due to the looming danger brought on by their assignments.

Palawan Rep. Jose Alvarez supported the bill and suggested that the measure include a proposed budget or amount for the hazard pay, and expand coverage of the benefit to include workers of the municipality of Kalayaan Islands, as they are also affected by the conditions brought on by Chinese forces.