By BEN ROSARIO
The House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading the proposed Eddie Garcia Act, a bill proposing to institute the protection and promotion of welfare of workers in the film, television, and radio entertainment industry.
With Deputy Speaker and 1Pacman partylist Rep. Michael Romero as principal author, the Eddie Garcia Act or House Bill 7762 won the approval of 235 congressmen present on Tuesday’s plenary session and was approved on final reading.
Approval came just over a year after Garcia died from internal injuries sustained in an accident that occurred in the set of the “Rosang Agimat” television series produced by GMA Network. He was 90.
Aside from Romero’s bill, HB 7762 also consolidated legislative proposals filed by Reps. Precious Hipolito-Castelo (NUP, Quezon City) ; Rufus Rodriguez (CDP, Cagayan de Oro City); Dale “Along” Malapitan (PDP-Laban, Caloocan City), and Rolando Valeriano (NP, Manila).
1PACMAN partylist Rep. Enrico Pineda, chairman of the House Committee on Labor and Employment, noted strong bipartisan support for the immediate passage of the measure.
Pineda said filing of the bill was factored from the lessons learned from the death of Garcia, the country’s most awarded actor.
“The film, television, and theater industry is a unique business, and as such present’s several unique health and safety hazards,” Romero said in justifying the measure.
Romero said that under the bill, the film, television, and radio entertainment industry are required to provide a safe workplace for all its workers and employees.
“Workplace safety and health protocols shall be primordial to eliminate personal injuries, illness, or even death from occurring inside the workplace,” the House official said.
The bill requires an employment contract between the employer or principal and workers or independent contractors.
Work time will be limited to 60 hours in a week with certain exception that will be determined by the Tripartite Council.
Working hours for minors shall follow the provisions of Republic Act No. 9231 or the special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.”
Social security and other welfare benefits shall be provided the employee upon employment.
The bill mandates employers to provide adequate and nutritious meals every six hours of work; sufficient supply of safe drinking water, and private dressing rooms, among others.
Employers or principals shall strictly comply with the occupational safety and health standards set by law.
In addition, occupational safety and health officers will be hired by employers to conduct risk assessment of the workplace or location of production.
HB 7762 also prohibits the “cabo” system or informal labor contracting which is being currently practiced in the film and entertainment industry.
