THE Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC) has added the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) to its list of occupational and work-related diseases that are compensable under the employees compensation program (ECP).

In a statement, ECC Executive Director Stella Zipagan-Banawis said Board Resolution 21-04-14 specifies the conditions for compensability of Covid-19.

“It is only proper that we formulate and pass policies that will effectively and efficiently respond to the current situation and changing needs of workers. 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,” she said.

Prior to its inclusion in the list of compensable diseases, Covid-19 was compensable under the increased risk theory of the ECP.

There are now 33 illnesses on the list of occupational and work-related diseases under the ECP.

The commission earlier requested the Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC) to study its inclusion in the list.

Based on the OSHC’s recommendation and after deliberations with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Banawis said the commission resolved to declared Covid-19 as an occupational and work-related disease.

In March 2020, the commission also directed the Social Security System and Government Service Insurance System to streamline the processing of EC claims of workers for diseases, including Covid-19. (SunStar Philippines from PR)