President Marcos recently signed a Republic Act (RA) 11996 or the “Eddie Garcia Law,” named after the late legendary actor, to enhance workplace safety and protect the welfare of movie and television industry professionals in the country.
The law mandates that employers ensure the protection and well-being of their workers through several key provisions, including regulated work hours, fair wages, social security, health and safety measures, and comprehensive insurance coverage.
Key Features of the Eddie Garcia Law:
1. Workplace Protection. Employers must comply with the Labor Code of the Philippines and RA 11058, ensuring occupational safety and health standards are met. Workers are entitled to a safe working environment, proper working conditions, and necessary benefits.
2. Employment Contracts. The law requires that employment contracts be clearly understood by both parties, written in a language or dialect they comprehend. These contracts must not discriminate based on race, color, descent, national or ethnic origin, or religion.
3. Fair Wages. Workers are guaranteed a minimum wage in line with regional standards. Employers must pay wages promptly as specified in the employment contract.
4. Social Security and Benefits. All workers will be covered by the Social Security System (SSS), the Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund), and the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth).
5. Protection of Minors. Employers must adhere to RA 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Law), as amended by RA 9231, regarding the employment of minors in the industry.
6. Health and Safety Compliance. The law emphasizes strict adherence to occupational safety and health standards, as outlined in RA 11058 (Occupational Safety and Health Standards Law) and Section 25 of RA 11036 (Mental Health Law).
7. Skills Development. The law promotes continuous upskilling and reskilling of workers. TESDA, in partnership with relevant agencies and stakeholders, will develop and implement training programs to enhance workers’ skills.
Penalties for Violations:
– First offense: Up to P100,000
– Second offense: Up to P200,000
– Third and subsequent offenses: Up to P500,000
Corporate entities, including executive producers, producers, production managers, and business unit managers, will be held accountable for any violations, according to the law.
The landmark legislation aims to prevent tragedies like the one that befell Garcia and ensure a safer, fairer working environment for all industry professionals. The law sets a new standard for the treatment and protection of movie and television workers in the Philippines.