House plenary OKs ‘Eddie Garcia’ bill

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives has approved the “Eddie Garcia” bill that seeks to protect entertainment industry workers following the?accidental death of the veteran actor last year while on set shooting a television series.

In plenary session last Wednesday, congressmen decided by voice voting to pass on second reading House Bill 7763 or the proposed Actors Occupational Safety and Health Standard Act, which was approved by the labor committee last August.

The bill’s principal author, Deputy Speaker and 1-Pacman party-list Rep. Mikee Romero, cited the importance of the measure to protect workers in the entertainment industry.

“This is Tito Eddie’s eternal legacy to his much loved film, movie and TV industry where he devoted 70 years of his life. We love you, Manoy,” stressed Romero, a stepson of Garcia.

The House leader thanked his colleagues for supporting the proposed measure and said he expects the swift passage of the bill on third reading.

Garcia, an award-winner and Hall of Famer both as an actor and director, died in June last year following days of intensive care in the hospital after tripping on a cable and sustaining a fracture on his cervical spine while taping for the upcoming teleserye Rosang Agimat.

He was 90 years old.

Under HB 191, safety and medical personnel should be deployed in all workplaces and areas during working hours.

The bill also provides for mandatory personnel and production insurance coverage.In the event of an accident on set, the corporation or producer shall pay for the full hospital bill of its employee and for the worker’s loss of livelihood until he is able to work again.

The measure also sets standard working hours, between 8 to 12 hours, for different age brackets.

In case of violations, the employer will face a fine of at least P100,000 per day until the non-compliance is corrected.?For offenses, the employer will be fined at least P1,000,000 per day and revocation of the franchise to operate.