IN a deeply disturbing disclosure last week, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello 3rd revealed that only 2,000 of nearly 13,000 medical workers who had been infected with the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) have been able to claim their employee’s compensation (EC) as of December 9. While it is not clear where the blame for this shameful situation should fall, it must be rectified immediately.

According to the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE), 12,904 health care workers were recorded as having tested positive for Covid-19 as of December 9, or about two weeks ago, and thus the 2,000 who were able to obtain their benefits through DoLE’s Employees Compensation Commission (ECC) only represent a bit more than 15 percent of those eligible.