Go supports WFH proposal due to heat

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Thursday expressed support for adaptive measures to protect workers from the country’s escalating heat index, prompted by the ongoing El Niño phenomenon.

Go also emphasized the importance of reviewing work and educational institutions to prioritize public health and safety.

During an ambush interview after helping displaced workers in Manaoag, Pangasinan, in response to questions on proposed actions to protect workers during the extreme heat, Go highlighted the proactive steps to be considered by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education.

The senator expressed support for flexible working arrangements and emphasized the need for “heat breaks,” especially for field workers such as construction workers who are directly exposed to the scorching heat outdoors.

Moreover, he pointed out the availability of PhilHealth benefits for heat stroke victims, stressing that every Filipino is entitled to this assistance.

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa recently emphasized workers’ right to take heat breaks to prevent heat-related illnesses. This was raised following an incident where a 75-year-old man reportedly died of heat stroke in Ilocos Sur.

Herbosa supported the Ministry of Labor and Employment’s initiative to allow workers with health problems aggravated by the heat to take leave and advocated night shifts for construction workers to limit the risks associated with daytime heat.

Rising heat levels are a major concern, with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration warning that the heat index could cross dangerous levels of 42°C in May, mainly affecting Luzon and parts of Visayas and Mindanao.