The House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading a measure that seeks to protect entertainment industry workers dubbed as “Eddie Garcia Act.”
House Bill 1270 was approved overwhelmingly, with 240 lawmakers present during Monday’s plenary session voting in favor of the bill.
The proposed law was named after famous actor Eddie Garcia, who died in an accident in June 2019 while filming a teleserye.
The House-approved bill consolidates six related measures, including one authored by Garcia’s congressman-stepson, 1PACMAN Rep. Mikee Romero.
The bill provides that an industry worker or independent contractor “shall be governed by the provisions of the Civil Code on contracts and other applicable laws, but not lower than the standards provided under Presidential Decree 442, or the Labor Code of the Philippines, as amended.”
It defines an industry worker or independent contractor as “any person engaged or hired by the employer or principal to render services involving the production, distribution, and exhibition of film, television, and radio entertainment content.”
Before rendering service, the worker/contractor must execute an agreement or employment contract in a language or dialect understood by both parties.
The employer or principal shall provide a copy of the signed contract to the worker, which shall include the job position and description, period of employment, compensation details, salary deductions (if any), work hours, code of conduct, board and lodging, medical care, employer’s policies, and any other lawful condition agreed upon by both parties.
The bill mandates that normal work shall be for 8 hours, which can be extended to 12 hours, including waiting time in the set or workplace, and service beyond 8 hours is subject to overtime pay.
The Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act, or Republic Act 9231, will govern work for minors.
The bill proposes that the minimum wage of an industry worker/contractor shall not be less than the minimum wage in the region.