Revilla proposes ‘Eddie Garcia Law’ to protect movie, TV workers

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. has filed a bill — the “Eddie Garcia Law” — which aims to provide occupational safety for workers in the movie and television industry.

The bill is named after the veteran actor who died almost two weeks after suffering a neck fracture when he tripped on the set of an upcoming TV series.

The bill sets standard working hours for movie and television workers from eight to 12 hours a day. For elderly workers or those aged 60 years and above, the hours of work must not exceed eight hours.

It mandates the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to formulate occupational safety and health standards for workers in the movie and television industry.

The bill also requires producers of television shows and movies to provide full health insurance to its artists and workers.

Under the measure, all artists and workers must be compensated in they should be injured, suffer medical complications, get ill, or die in the course of their work.

Violators will face a fine of not less than P150,000 or imprisonment of up to six years.

A similar bill has been filed by Garcia’s stepson, 1-Pacman Rep. Michael Romero, at the House of Representatives.

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(Editor: Alexander T. Magno)