The Eddie Garcia bill at Senate

The Senate has passed Senate Bill 2505, also known as the proposed Eddie Garcia law, on its second reading. This bill, spearheaded by Sen. Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Labor, is designed to safeguard workers in the movie and television industry from various forms of abuse and exploitation. Named in honor of the late veteran actor Eddie Garcia, who tragically passed away in 2019 following a neck injury sustained while filming a television series, the bill aims to ensure the well-being and rights of industry workers.

SB 2505 outlines several key provisions aimed at protecting workers’ rights and safety. Firstly, it mandates that employers or principals in the industry must provide a safe and conducive working environment for their employees. This includes ensuring fair wages, access to social security and welfare benefits, as well as insurance coverage.

Furthermore, the bill requires that employment contracts be executed in a language or dialect understood by both parties, outlining important details such as job position, duration of employment, compensation, working hours, and grievance mechanisms. It establishes a standard workday of eight hours, with the possibility of extending to a maximum of 14 hours, excluding meal breaks. However, the total work hours per week must not exceed 60 hours, except for individuals aged 60 and above, who may be permitted to work longer hours under exceptional circumstances defined by the Tripartite Council.

Additionally, SB 2505 mandates that minimum wage rates for workers or independent contractors must comply with regional standards. Employees are also entitled to social security benefits and other statutory benefits to ensure their financial security and well-being.

Overall, the passing of Senate Bill 2505 represents a significant step towards improving labor conditions and protecting the rights of workers in the movie and television industry. By enshrining these provisions into law, lawmakers aim to prevent exploitation and promote a more equitable and safe working environment for all industry professionals.

The Eddie Garcia bill at Senate has been passed already.