Media worker protection bill OK’d on final reading
By John Victor D. Ordoñez, Reporter
THE PHILIPPINE Senate has approved on third and final reading a bill seeking to ensure the protection and welfare of workers in the movie and television industry.
With 22-0-0 affirmative votes, senators approved Senate Bill No. 2505, the proposed Eddie Garcia Act — named after the late multi-awarded Filipino actor who accidentally tripped on a filming set and died.
The measure seeks to ensure those working in the film and television industry are safe from dangerous working environments, harassment, extended working hours, and are provided with decent pay.
It would set working hours for the media workers to a maximum of 14 hours a day or 60 hours a week.
Workers would also be afforded employment contracts that would include complete details about the job description and accompanying benefits.
A Movie and Television Tripartite Council composed of film industry workers, government officials and employers would be also established.
“This measure is the Senate’s recognition of the immense talent, dedication, and contribution not just of Filipino artists, but also those behind the camera who put their heart and soul to come up with material for the movie and television industry,” Senator Jose “Jinggoy” P. Estrada, Jr. who sponsored the measure, said at the plenary.
