Voting 22-0-0, the Senate passed Monday on third and final reading Senate Bill number 2505, or the proposed “Eddie Garcia” law.
Sen. Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada said this will protect and support movie and TV workers from unfair treatment and poor working conditions.
“A product of your Senate’s commitment to put forward the welfare of workers, this is our meaningful acknowledgment to them whose work are often overshadowed by the main content and star power of the main cast,” said Estrada.
“We simply owe it to them,” Estrada also said in his speech during Monday’s plenary session.
While the bill was pursued following the demise of beloved actor Eddie Garcia, Estrada said efforts to uplift the welfare of movie and TV workers were started 50 years ago by his father, then movie actor and San Juan Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada.
This was realized with the establishment of the Movie Workers Welfare Foundation (MOWELFUND), primarily to aid industry workers, especially the underprivileged.
“This measure is the Senate’s recognition of the immense talent, dedication, and contribution not just of Filipino artists but also of those behind the camera who put their heart and soul to come up with material for the movie and TV industry.
“They are those who have no face, and oftentimes, we see their names only at end credits,” he said.
The bill provides for the implementation of working hours, wages and other wage-related benefits, social security, and welfare benefits ensuring better working conditions and standards as well as insurance coverage. Employers will also be mandated to provide employment contracts.
A Movie and TV Industry Tripartite Council comprised of representatives from the government, employers, and workers in the movie and TV industry shall also be created, Estrada said.
“It is a big honor to be given this important opportunity to sponsor the passage of Senate Bill number 2505 because this is not only the realization of what was started by my father but the goals of the movie and TV industry.”
The chairperson of the Senate Committee on Labor said it is sad to think that the death of veteran actor Eddie Garcia triggered this measure. On the other hand, he said this gives us “peace of mind” that no life will be lost due to lack of safety precautions in shooting locations,” he added.
