Media workers saddened and enraged by spike in COVID-19 cases
MANILA – The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines today said media workers are as essential as the stories they produce.
In a statement released today, the NUJP said they in the media profession “have reached a point where staying alive is a daily struggle.”
In a statement signed by its new Chairman Jonathan De Santos, the NUJP said they are saddened and enraged that the new spike in COVID-19 cases appears more dangerous.
“It pains us to see how the Duterte administration resorts to the same failed COVID-19 response, ignoring calls for scientific approach in battling the spread of the pandemic,” he said.
They said over a year since the lockdown, the government has been adamant in implementing mobility restrictions, as the Duterte administration has not effected free mass teaching, effective contact tracing and isolation.
The NUJP said the government has been inefficient in its response to the pandemic as two cameramen suffer from the virus as 58 journalists or media workers have tested positive for the virus earlier.
“Although media workers are considered essential workers during the quarantine, the lack of support and assistance for them suggests they are not seen as that important after all,” the NUJP statement added.
The NUJP added while they hold the Administration accountable for the upsurge in COVID-19 infection, they reminded media companies of their obligation to protect their employees, including correspondents and contributors.
“Media companies should provide free swab testing, hazard pay especially for those covering on the ground and health insurance. Those infected should be given emergency cash assistance, access to quality health care, and psychosocial support. Those who are willing to be inoculated must also be given access to safe and effective vaccine” the NUJP said. (Melo M. Acuña)
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