Solon pushes for inquiry on compliance of entertainment industry with work safety laws

MANILA, Philippines — TUCP (Trade Union Congress of the Philippines) Representative-elect Raymond Democrito Mendoza on Tuesday said he would be filing a resolution calling for an inquiry into the compliance by the media and entertainment industries with the Occupational Safety and Health Law.

In a statement, Mendoza said the law, as well as the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) order on occupational health and safety for the media and entertainment industries, was aimed at protecting the safety and rights of workers. He issued the remark in light of the recent death of veteran actor-director Eddie Garcia.

“We are shocked and angered that such a thing can happen to someone of the stature of Mr. Eddie Garcia, but even more so it exposes how ordinary talents and ordinary workers in the entertainment industry are made vulnerable to the failure of management to comply with these occupational safety and health rules,” the party-list lawmaker said.

READ: Directors’ group: Eddie Garcia’s passing a reminder on ‘safety protocols’ in film, TV

Garcia, 90, passed away last June 20. He had been in critical condition due to a neck fracture after he tripped on a wire while shooting a TV series for GMA Network on June 8.

Just two days after Garcia’s death, a factory worker in Iloilo, Jomar Junco, fell victim to “unsafe and precarious working conditions when he was caught in grinding equipment at the meat factory he worked for,” according to Mendoza.

“Across all industries and in every workplace, it should not be the case that workers are sacrificed by their employers in the name of profit,” he added.

Mendoza also said their party-list fully supports the proposed “Eddie Garcia Law” or the Actors Occupational Safety and Health Standard Bill which would also be filed by Garcia’s stepson, 1-Pacman Rep. Michael Romero, when the 18th Congress opens.

READ: Eddie Garcia’s stepson to push bill for actors’ work safety, welfare

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III earlier said he had ordered the Occupational Safety and Health Center to conduct a probe of the incident.  (Editor: Mike U. Frialde)

READ: Labor group hails probe of actor Eddie Garcia’s death