DOLE: COVID-19 now a ‘compensable’ work-related disease worth P30,000
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has listed COVID-19 as a ‘compensable’ work-related disease, meaning that workers who get infected with the virus while on the job will be eligible for compensation.
“The usual compensation on work-related illness is P10,000 but if it’s COVID-19, P30,000 under this ECC resolution,” shared Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III via the Philippine News Agency.
“There is no distinction (mild or severe), if it’s COVID, the compensation will be P30,000. If the patient needs operation or additional hospitalization, PhilHealth is there,” he added.
Per a news release from DOLE, the move comes after the board of the Employee's Compensation Commission (ECC) included COVID-19 to the List of Occupational and Compensable Diseases under the Employees' Compensation Program.
The ECC issued the Board Resolution No. 21-04-14 last April 6, with further specifications listed in Annex A of the Amended Rules on Employees' Compensation.
“We recognize the risk of those who courageously and willingly put their lives on the line as we continue to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic,” shared ECC Executive Director Stella Zipagan-Banawis.
The Social Security Services (SSS) and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) will aid the EC in the implementation of the compensable illnesses.
The List of Occupational and Work-related diseases now has 33 illnesses, including pneumonia, malaria, hernia, and more. Read the full list here.
Photos from Philstar.com and Unsplash