Duterte's signature needed for P30k COVID worker benefit

President Rodrigo Duterte's signature is needed to approve a P30,000 benefit claim for workers who contracted COVID-19.

DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello III stated that the resolution by the Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC) awaits presidential approval.

Senators Francis Pangilinan and Risa Hontiveros welcomed this decision, emphasizing its importance in providing benefits under the Employees Compensation Act.

ALU-TUCP spokesperson Alan Tanjusay praised the compensation but urged authorities to remove the requirement for proof that infection occurred at work.

The ECC approved COVID-19 as a compensable occupational disease on April 6, with conditions specified by Board Resolution No. 21-04-14.