COVID-19 now a work-related disease, compensable under ECC

SAN FERNANDO CITY, May 8 (PIA) –- Through Board Resolution No. 21-04-14, COVID-19 is now considered as an occupational or work-related disease and is compensable under the Employees Compensation Commission.

Workers from both the private and government sectors who were infected with COVID-19 may now claim their EC benefits.

According to Dexter Dupagan, information officer of ECC Ilocos, this EC COVID-benefits only covers those workers who acquired the disease because of the nature of their work or work environment.

“Ang benepisyo ay para sa mga manggagawang nagka-COVID o iba pang sakit na may kinalaman o dahil sa trabaho,” Dupagan said.

He also cited, “Tulad na lamang ng nakuha niya ang sakit dahil sa pagko-commute dahil walang provision ng free shuttle or transportation services ang opisina o kompanyang kinabibilangan.”

A maximum of Php480.00 may be availed by an individual working in the private sector while Php200.00 a day for government employees will be granted regardless of their employment status.

“Sa private ay maximum of Php480.00 per day depending on the employees’ monthly Social Security System (SSS) contribution at sa government sector naman ay Php200.00 kada araw,” Dupagan explained.

He added, “Sila man ay permanent, job order or contract of service basta sila ay miyembro ng SSS at ang kanilang kategorya ay self-employed.”

The total number of absences due to isolation will be compensated, regardless if the individual had a home quarantine or facility-based isolation.

If working in a private entity, both benefits from SSS and ECC can be availed while government employees will have to choose between Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) or ECC.

“Sa mga government employees ay hindi pwede ang dalawa dahil mayroon tayong exclusivity of benefits at hindi sa double compensation kaya pipili si employee kung EC benefits o GSIS,” he said.

Needed requirements include a certificate of employment with attached document indicating the employees’ last day of work prior to infection, medical record or any certification from the local health office proving their facility or home isolation, and confirmatory swab test result.

These documents may be filed at the nearest GSIS or SSS branch and emphasize that the claim is for EC benefits. (JCR/AMB/CGRC, PIA La Union)

Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)