Very good news for workers in the movie and television industry.
This was how Sen. Robinhood “Robin” C. Padilla described the signing into law by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. of Republic Act 11996, An Act Protecting the Welfare of Workers in the Movie and Television Industry.
Padilla – who made a name as an action star, director and stuntman in the showbiz industry – served as the principal author and co-sponsor of the measure in the Senate. Fellow showbiz personality Sen. Jinggoy Estrada sponsored the measure as chairman of the Senate labor committee.
“A very good news came to us today. Eddie Garcia Law is now a law – Republic Act No. 11996. Thank you very much to our sponsor Senator Jinggoy Estrada and to my fellow Senators,” Padilla said.
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“Long live the Filipino television and film industry. This is for you. Alhamdulillah,” he added.
In 2022, Padilla filed Senate Bill 450 outlining safety measures and other benefits for showbiz workers. The measure was dubbed the “Eddie Garcia Law” in memory of the beloved veteran actor who died in 2019 following an accident on set.
“The bill, called ‘Eddie Garcia Law’ as a tribute to the veteran actor, is a response to the urgent call of the members of the television and movie industry for the government to provide guidelines for safe and better working conditions for the protection of the workers’ welfare in the industry,” said Padilla in his bill, which has been consolidated into the new law.
With the measure, Padilla expressed hopes of improved work conditions in the industry. (PR)
