Measure modernizing security industry welcomed by guards
SECURITY GUARDS said Thursday they welcome a bill proposing to modernize the industry and improve training for workers.
In a statement, the Private Security Industry Personnel Employees and Guards Credit Cooperative (PSIPAGC) said the Private Security bill recently introduced in the House of Representatives will strengthen the industry.
“The number of security guards currently employed is equivalent to almost double the combined number of police and military personnel deployed today. It is, therefore, important that we improve not only the conditions of their employment, but also standardize their training to professionalize the industry,” PSIPAGC Chairman Neil Estrella said.
The House Committee on Public Order and Safety subcommittee last week approved in principle the draft consolidation of various bills that will address the concerns of private security guards and improve their working conditions.
The substitute bill also aims to repeal the 51-year-old Republic Act No. 5487 or the Private Security Agency Law.
The bill will address working conditions such as low pay and illegal contractualization, as well as subsidized training. — Gillian M. Cortez