Senate approves proposal to declare Line Workers Appreciation Day

The Senate on Tuesday approved on second reading two measures seeking to recognize the contributions of electrical and telecommunications line workers and provide them with additional protection against work-related risks.

Principally authored by Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, Senate Bill Nos. 2484 and 2485 aim to acknowledge the role of line workers in restoring vital services following disasters and maintaining the country’s power and telecommunications systems.

SB 2484, or the National Line Workers Appreciation Day Act, proposes designating the first Monday of August each year as a day dedicated to recognizing electrical line workers and their contribution to the country’s electrification efforts.

Meanwhile, SB 2485, or the Line Workers Insurance and Benefits Act, would require employers to provide line workers with at least P300,000 in insurance coverage for death or disability resulting from occupational hazards.

The proposed insurance would be on top of benefits provided under social security laws, collective bargaining agreements and existing company policies.

Employers would also be required to pay the full insurance premiums. Those who fail to comply could face fines ranging from P300,000 to P500,000.

The measure would extend coverage to line workers temporarily deployed to other entities for emergency restoration or repair work, ensuring that their protection remains in effect even when they are working outside their regular employer’s jurisdiction.

Escudero said the measures were intended to address the risks faced by workers who help restore electricity and telecommunications services, particularly during disasters.

“Hindi lamang kuryente ang ibinabalik ng ating mga line workers tuwing may sakuna. Binabalik nila ang pag-asa at normal na pamumuhay ng ating mga kababayan,” he said.

“Ang Senate Bill 2484 ay pagkilala sa kanilang serbisyo, samantalang ang Senate Bill 2485 ay nagbibigay ng kasiguruhan na kapag may nangyaring masama, may benepisyo at proteksyong nakalaan para sa kanila at sa kanilang pamilya,” the veteran legislator added.

Both measures define “line workers” as individuals directly involved in the construction, installation, inspection, maintenance, rehabilitation and repair of electrical transmission and distribution systems, as well as telecommunications lines and related facilities.

The definition covers both overhead and underground lines.

SB 2484 was co-authored by Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian and Senator Erwin Tulfo, while SB 2485 was co-authored by Senators Jinggoy Estrada, Raffy Tulfo and Erwin Tulfo.