The Senate recently approved Senate Bill (SB) 2505, also known as the proposed Eddie Garcia law, on its second reading. This bill, championed by Sen. Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Labor, aims to safeguard the rights of movie and television workers, ensuring their protection from abuse, long working hours, harassment, hazardous working conditions, and economic exploitation.
The bill is named after the late veteran actor Eddie Garcia, who tragically passed away in 2019 after sustaining a neck injury while filming for a television series. His untimely death shed light on the need for better safeguards and protections for workers in the entertainment industry.
Under SB 2505, employers or principals in the industry will be obligated to provide a safe and secure workplace for their workers. This includes ensuring fair wages, social security and welfare benefits, and insurance coverage. To promote clear communication and understanding between workers and their employers, the bill stipulates that employment contracts must be executed in a language or dialect that both parties comprehend.
These employment contracts will cover essential details such as job positions and status, job descriptions, duration of employment or service, compensation details, including rates, methods, and schedules of payment, authorized deductions (if any), working hours, provisions for additional payment or overtime pay, board and lodging arrangements, access to medical attention, and mechanisms for addressing workers’ grievances, among others.
The bill establishes that the standard work hours for industry workers shall be eight hours per day, with the option for extension up to a maximum of 14 hours, excluding meal breaks. However, it is crucial to note that the total number of work hours in a week should not exceed 60 hours, except under exceptional circumstances defined by the Tripartite Council. These exceptional cases may apply to workers aged 60 and above, allowing them to work beyond eight hours but not exceeding 14 hours.
Additionally, SB 2505 ensures that the minimum wage rates of workers or independent contractors in the industry will not fall below the applicable minimum wage set in their respective regions. This provision aims to prevent any form of economic exploitation and promote fair compensation for all workers.
Furthermore, the bill emphasizes that industry workers are entitled to social security and other benefits, ensuring their overall well-being and security.
It is important to note that the employment of minors in the industry is governed by Republic Act 9231, also known as the “Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.” This act provides specific guidelines and protections to ensure the welfare and safety of young workers.
The proposed Eddie Garcia law represents a significant step forward in protecting the rights and well-being of movie and television workers. By establishing clear guidelines, fair compensation, and improved working conditions, this legislation aims to create a safer and more equitable environment for all those involved in the industry. It is a testament to the commitment of the Senate to address the pressing issues faced by workers and promote a more sustainable and inclusive entertainment sector.
Source: The Manila Times