President Marcos recently signed a Republic Act 11996 or the “Eddie Garcia Law,” named after the late legendary actor, to enhance workplace safety and protect the welfare of movie and television industry professionals in the country.
The law mandates that employers ensure the protection and well-being of their workers through several key provisions, including regulated work hours, fair wages, social security, health and safety measures, and comprehensive insurance coverage. Employers must comply with the Labor Code of the Philippines and RA 11058, ensuring occupational safety and health standards are met. Workers are entitled to a safe working environment, proper working conditions, and necessary benefits.
Corporate entities, including executive producers, producers, production managers, and business unit managers, will be held accountable for any violations, according to the law. The landmark legislation aims to prevent tragedies like the one that befell Garcia and ensure a safer, fairer working environment for all industry professionals. The law sets a new standard for the treatment and protection of movie and television workers in the Philippines.