MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives has approved on final reading the Eddie Garcia bill that seeks to protect local entertainment industry workers.
Deputy Speaker and 1 Pacman party-list Rep. Mikee Romero, principal author of the bill and stepson of Garcia, urged the Senate to pass the measure, which he said is necessary to ensure the safety and welfare of actors and production staff.
“We should ensure that these workers, even those behind the scene, will be protected and have proper benefits such as PhilHealth, insurance or at least minimum wage salaries, among others,” Romero said.
Romero made the appeal after the House plenary voted unanimously on Tuesday to approve on third and final reading House Bill 7763 or the Actors Occupational Safety and Health Standard Act.
A total of 235 lawmakers voted for the passage of the measure.
The bill was filed following the death of Garcia while shooting a television series last year.
Romero thanked his colleagues for supporting the bill.