MANILA, Philippines — 1-Pacman Rep. Michael Romero on Monday said he would file a bill that would safeguard the welfare and safety of actors working in the television and movie industries, which he calls the “Eddie Garcia Law.”
Romero, son of Garcia’s long-time partner, Lilibeth, said the “Actors Occupational Safety and Health Standard Bill” would be his first bill at the opening of the 18th Congress. The party-list representative also urged his fellow legislators to support him “on [his] quest” to “put a bigger meaning to Tito Eddie Garcia’s death.”
“I expect more than 100 of my fellow legislators to co-sign the bill with me. And likewise, expect the Senate through SP [Senate President Vicente] Tito Sotto [III] to do the counterpart bill in the upper chamber,” Romero said in a statement.
READ: Directors’ group: Eddie Garcia’s passing a reminder on ‘safety protocols’ in film, TV
The richest lawmaker in the House said the bill’s salient points include mandatory actors and production insurance as well as specific working hours for artists below 18 years old, between 18 to 59 years old, and 60 years old and above or those who are senior citizens.
Romero also detailed that his bill would establish medical and safety procedures on a production set and within its area of responsibility; mandatory installation of safety officers; and emergency standards and procedures.
Penalties and liabilities for violation of any of the provisions would also be spelled out in the bill, he added.
Garcia passed away last June 20. The 90-year-old veteran actor and director had been in critical condition due to a neck fracture after he tripped while shooting a TV series for GMA Network on June 8.
READ: House members honor Eddie Garcia, want school to be named after him
Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III earlier said he had ordered the Occupational Safety and Health Center to conduct a probe into the incident. (Editor: Eden Estopace)
READ: Labor group hails probe of actor Eddie Garcia’s death