BACOLOD City — An electric cooperative in central Negros Occidental has expressed support for a proposed Senate measure seeking to provide insurance coverage and additional benefits to power line workers, describing it as a significant step toward strengthening worker welfare in the energy sector.
Atty. Arnel Lapore, president of the Central Negros Electric Cooperative (CENECO), welcomed Senate Bill No. 498, authored by Senator Francis Escudero, calling the measure “laudable” for recognizing the critical and high-risk nature of line workers’ duties in maintaining the country’s power transmission and distribution systems.
“This is laudable,” Lapore said, but noted that the measure could result in an increase in power bills.
Lapore explained that the cost of insurance coverage entails high premiums which, under the proposed bill, would be shouldered by employers. Power transmission firms such as the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) and distribution utilities would have to bear the cost, which could eventually be passed on to consumers.
He added that the government should also share in the burden of the premiums or, at the very least, establish a dedicated fund to support the measure.
The proposed Line Workers Insurance and Benefits Act mandates private distribution utilities, electric cooperatives, and grid operators, including the NGCP, to provide comprehensive insurance coverage at no cost to employees. The benefits include retirement and disability support, death and burial assistance, and medical expense reimbursements. Coverage will also extend to drivers, helpers, and support crews deployed during field operations.
Senator Escudero earlier said many line workers continue to perform their duties without adequate protection against accidents, illness, or death, despite facing daily hazards on the job.
The measure is based on House Bill No. 7561, which was approved by the House of Representatives during the 19th Congress.
SB 498 is currently pending before the Senate committees on energy and labor and is expected to be deliberated when Congress resumes session. Stakeholders, including electric cooperatives, expressed optimism that through dialogue and collaboration, the measure can be refined to balance the welfare of line workers with the interests of electricity consumers./PN
