Sen. Hontiveros wants ordinance vs discrimination of health workers

Senator Risa Hontiveros urged local government units (LGUs) to pass and implement measures to protect health workers and other frontliners from discrimination.

She stated that ordinances should penalize discriminatory acts to support frontliners in their duties.

Hontiveros mentioned that anti-discrimination ordinances are already in place in Manila, Parañaque, and Iloilo City, with others under deliberation.

She plans to file a bill penalizing violence and discrimination against health workers and frontliners once the Senate resumes session in May, as an amendment to Republic Act 11332.

The senator highlighted alarming incidents of violence against health workers, including an ambulance driver being shot and a health worker being attacked.

Hontiveros encouraged LGUs to follow Department of Interior and Local Government recommendations, such as increased law enforcement presence near hospitals and providing free transport for health workers.