A measure has been filed in the House of Representatives seeking to create a national insurance program that would provide assistance to workers during times of unemployment.
In her proposed "PhilJobs Act", Marikina Rep. Stella Luz Quimbo said the National Unemployment Insurance Program aims to protect workers from substantial income loss and consumption reduction caused by job loss by providing them unemployment benefits while looking for a new job.
Quimbo, who is an economist by profession, said that while there are current government programs that provide assistance to unemployed individuals, they can be described as "fragmented, non-inclusive, and limited."
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The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that in June this year, nearly three million Filipinos were unemployed, equivalent to 6% of the eligible population, according to an Inquirer report.
Under the measure, the basic insurance benefits to be received by unemployed individuals cover three monthly payments equal to 80% of the worker's basic pay. They will also be provided additional benefits in the form of training, training allowances, and job counselling.
SSS and GSIS members are automatically covered by the program, while those who are not, including those in the informal sector, will be encouraged to join through incentives.
The bill also establishes a Philippine Job Insurance Corp. which will be tasked to administer and implement the program.
"A program with the above salient features is needed to increase the resilience of the Philippine economy. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that workers are vulnerable to substantial reductions in income and the risk of falling into poverty," Quimbo said.
"In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought," she added.
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