The Senate Committee on Energy on Thursday, September 10, approved legislative measures seeking to declare the first Monday of August every year as “National Line Workers Appreciation Day” and guarantee mandatory insurance benefits for power line personnel across the country.
“Behind every light that stays on are line workers who brave difficult and often dangerous conditions to keep electricity flowing. The risks our linemen face are no joke,” said Senate Energy Committee Chairman Erwin Tulfo.
“When there is a typhoon, flood, earthquake, or any other disaster, they are the ones sent out to climb poles, repair power lines, and work for hours, even in the middle of the night, just to restore electricity service,” he added.
Separate Senate bills establishing the recognition day were introduced by Tulfo, Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, and Senate President Win Gatchalian, while a counterpart measure authored by 25 lawmakers has already cleared the House of Representatives on third reading.
To reinforce this recognition, the panel concurrently approved Senate Bill Nos. 498, 923, and 2448, alongside House Bill No. 7239, to ensure comprehensive safety nets for utility workers.
Tulfo explained that the legislation will establish a mandatory minimum threshold for life, accident, and disability coverage across private utilities, electric cooperatives, and transmission operators nationwide.
“If we are to recognize their service, we must also recognize the dangers that come with their work. These dangers are very real. These are not abstract occupational risks. These are risks that can cost a worker’s life and leave a family without a loved one and a source of livelihood,” Tulfo stated.
The committee is scheduled to draft a consolidated committee report next week for formal sponsorship on the Senate plenary floor.