The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has signed the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the “Eddie Garcia Law,” which aims to ensure protection and welfare for workers in the movie and television industries.
DOLE Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma said the new regulations address labor rights, fair compensation, and workplace safety in the entertainment sector.
“This milestone is a crucial step toward safeguarding the welfare of everyone involved in the industry,” Laguesma.
Key provisions of the IRR require clear employment contracts that specify job roles and compensation while capping working hours at 14 hours per day or 60 hours per week to prevent overburdening workers.
Employers are now mandated to provide a safe workplace, including access to first aid, safety equipment, and regular safety briefings. The regulations also emphasize the importance of providing proper meals, safe drinking water, and adequate rest facilities for all employees.
Violations of the IRR carry penalties ranging from P100,000 to P500,000, underscoring the strict enforcement of this legislation.
Furthermore, the regulations prohibit discrimination based on age, gender, or race and establish protections against workplace violence, harassment, and abuse, with specific safeguards for minors in the industry.
With the IRR now in effect, the film and television sectors are set to uphold higher safety and labor standards, fostering fair treatment and equal opportunities for all workers.