Former Defense Secretary Gilbert ‘Gibo’ Teodoro called for the establishment of a social insurance program wherein employees can draw assistance in dire times such as the pandemic. He said learning from the current experience, employees and employers can contribute to a fund to form savings in times of need.

Gibo Teodoro, a candidate for senator, noted that the country’s health insurance system (PhilHealth) has concerns and that no one really thought that the pandemic will last this long. Related to this, he mentioned that employers are mandated to grant paid pandemic leaves to qualified employees, regardless of employment status, during the pandemic but this is only ten (10) working days of paid leave per year.

Gibo Teodoro, a former Tarlac congressman, said with regards related employee benefits the Workmen Compensation Act only covers injury in any accident arising out of and in the course of employment.

Gibo Teodoro, who has vast experience in both the public and private sector, calls for a thorough study of a social insurance program that will benefit the workforce even during situations like a pandemic. He said the government cannot keep on giving financial assistance to those adversely affected and must find other ways to provide help in times of need.