Bill providing insurance to election workers nears final approval

MANILA -- Election workers and officials will soon have insurance coverage once Congress passes House Bill 6528.

The measure recently approved on second reading in the House of Representatives creates a compulsory insurance for election officials and workers during national and local polls.

The compulsory insurance will be for the members of the Board of Election Inspectors (BEI), Special Board of Election Inspectors (SBEI), the Board of Election Tellers (BET) and their support staff for every national and local election.

"The compulsory insurance is one way the State could concretely express its recognition of the crucial role of the members of the BEI, SBEI, the BET and their support staff and the dangers that attend every election," A-Teacher party-list Representative Juliet Cortuna said.

Under the proposed law, election workers and officials shall be entitled to death benefits amounting to P200,000, and hospitalization and medical expenses until his or her recovery.

The coverage starts from, but not limited to, the acquisition of election paraphernalia and it shall be terminated upon proper turn-over of the same to the appropriate receiving officer or until any election-related risk is no longer present, the bill states.

The House of Representatives is expected to be passed on final reading when Congress resumes session on October 8.

Once both chambers of Congress approve the measure, it will be sent to President Aquino for his signature. (Kathrina Alvarez/Sunnex)