Eddie Garcia
MANILA, Philippines — A bill named in honor of the late Philippine movie legend Eddie Garcia, which seeks to protect Filipino workers in the film, television, and radio entertainment industry, has been approved by the House of Representatives on third reading.
During Monday’s session, 240 lawmakers voted in favor of House Bill (HB) No. 1270, which is a consolidation of six bills filed in the 19th Congress.
None of the lawmakers present voted against the bill or abstained.
In a statement, House Speaker and Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said the bill — if enacted — would be a big boost to people working in the entertainment sector.
“It would ensure that they continue to have gainful employment and protect them against abuse, harassment, dangerous working environment, and exploitation,” he said.
“Manong Eddie was a hugely popular actor well-loved by many Filipinos. It was unfortunate that he died in such circumstances. But the accident served as a wake-up call for the industry and for us policymakers in Congress,” he added.
Garcia is remembered as an icon in Philippine show business, and who was able to transition from film to television and back. In June 2019, he suffered a neck fracture after an accident while shooting for a television series.
Reports said he tripped over a wire while in the middle of a shoot, causing him to fall down. Days after falling into a coma, the veteran actor passed away.
Television network GMA and other firms have been fined by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for not observing occupational safety standards during the set of the said television series.
READ: GMA, other firms fined P890K over accident leading to Eddie Garcia’s death
HB No. 1270 aimed to avoid such incidents from happening again: thus, under the bill, a specific set of guidelines on working hours and conditions have been prescribed, with those aged above 60 years old being subjected to a waiver from DOLE.
Normal work would be eight hours, which could be extended to 12 hours, excluding meal periods.
It also provides that work for minors involved in entertainment production should be in accordance with Republic Act No. 9231 or the Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.
A Film, Television, and Radio Entertainment Industry Tripartite Council will also be initiated, if the bill is enacted. This would link stakeholders such as production houses, with workers, and the government agencies concerned in case of labor disputes.
This is not the first time the bill was proposed in Congress. Last November 2020, a similar bill was passed by the House on third reading, although it was not enacted into law due to time constraints. EDV