MANILA — Former Defense Secretary Gilbert ‘Gibo’ Teodoro has called for the establishment of a social insurance program wherein employees can draw assistance in dire times such as the pandemic. He said learning from the current experience, employees and employers can contribute to a fund to form savings in times of need.
Teodoro, a candidate for senator, noted that the country’s health insurance system (PhilHealth) has concerns and that no one really thought that the pandemic will last this long. Related to this, he mentioned that employers are mandated to grant paid pandemic leaves to qualified employees, regardless of employment status, during the pandemic but this is only 10 working days of paid leave per year.
The former Tarlac congressman said with that regards to related employee benefits, the Workmen Compensation Act only covers injury in any accident arising out of and in the course of employment.
Drawing from his vast experience in both the public and private sectors, Teodoro calls for a thorough study of a social insurance program that will benefit the workforce even during situations like a pandemic. He said the government cannot keep on giving financial assistance to those adversely affected and must find other ways to provide help in times of need.
