Marcos signs ‘Eddie Garcia’ law

Late actor Eddie Garcia

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed the “Eddie Garcia” law, said the Palace on Tuesday.

Republic Act 11996 was named after the multi-awarded veteran actor, Eddie Garcia (Eduardo Verchez Garcia), who died on June 20, 2019. The 90-year-old actor suffered a neck injury after he tripped and fell while shooting for an upcoming “teleserye.”

READ: ‘Eddie Garcia’ bill gets Senate OK on final reading

“No agreement or employment contract shall discriminate against a worker who has contracts or projects with other production outfits unless exclusivity is specified in the contract, nor shall any person perform any act involving preference based on race, color, descent, national or ethnic origin, or religion, which has the purpose or effect of nullifying the recognition, enjoyment, or exercise on an equal footing of any human right or fundamental freedom,” said the new law.

In addition to this, the new law mandates work hours, wages, other non-wage benefits, and more for movie and television workers.

According to the new law, workers and employers must also have an agreement executed in a language or dialect that is understood by both parties.

Employers violating the law have a fine of up to P100,000 for the first offense, P200,000 for the second offense, and up to P500,000 for the third and succeeding offenses.

“If the violation is committed by a corporation, trust or firm, partnership, association or any other entity, the fines shall be imposed upon the entity’s responsible officers, including, but not limited to, the executive producer, producer, production manager, and business unit manager,” the law said.

The measure passed the final reading in the Senate in February.