Press Release - Estrada: Sponsorship speech on Eddie Garcia Law (SBN-2505, CRN-175)

Mr. President, esteemed colleagues, distinguished guests, a pleasant afternoon.

Your Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development, joint with the Committee on Public Information and Mass Media, is honored to sponsor Senate Bill No. 2505 under Committee Report No. 175 entitled "An Act Protecting the Welfare of Workers in the Movie and Television Industry," or simply known as the "Eddie Garcia Law." This substitute measure is a consolidation of Senate Bill Nos. 450, 1889, and 460 filed by Senators Padilla, Lapid, and this representation, taking into consideration House Bill No. 1270, which had already been approved on final reading earlier this year.

Nakalulungkot mang banggitin, pero ang panukalang ito ay bunga ng aksidente sa television shooting na naging dahilan ng pagkamatay ng batikang aktor na si Eddie Garcia noong 2019. Despite his age—he was 90 years old at the time—the screen legend remained active in doing movies and television series. This unfortunate incident and his untimely demise which shocked the industry led some actors and workers to push for reforms, calling out dangerous working conditions especially on set, thus, paving the way for this measure.

Mr. President, this measure was put forward in order to ensure that workers—especially those who work behind the camera and work tirelessly even beyond normal working hours—are provided opportunities for gainful employment and decent incomes, and are protected from abuse, extended working hours, harassment, hazardous working conditions, and economic exploitation.

We have included specific provisions on social welfare benefits and insurance for work-related incidents or deaths that would provide the much-needed security and protection in an industry known for its unpredictable nature.

Matagal nang sinasabi na ang movie at television industry ay "peculiar" industry. Tila naging normal na rin para sa mga artista at manggagawa ang magtrabaho nang mahahabang oras, sa puntong umaabot pa ng tatlumpu't anim na oras (36 hours)[1] o higit pa, non-stop[2], at palipat-lipat ng lokasyon, para lamang maihabol ang petsa ng film showing o airing ng TV series.

While we acknowledge that this is indeed