Senator Robinhood Padilla has filed a bill seeking to professionalize the talent management industry and require a license for talent management outfits.

Padilla filed Senate Bill 2778 in a bid to end harassment of talents in the entertainment industry.

It seeks to require a license for talent management outfits among its other provisions and defines the liability of media networks that own, manage or operate talent management firms.

"This bill aims to professionalize the industry of talent management by requiring the talent managers to procure a license so that they may be bound by certain standards. They are also required to keep documents and records of their transactions in order that they may be regulated and monitored by the government," he said.

"Further, it defines the liability of media networks that own, manage, or operate a talent management company. These talent management companies will be held against the same standards, and the media networks that own, manage, or operate them shall share the liability of the talent management company, in a subsidiary capacity, in case of a money judgment owing to the artists being managed by the company," he added.

Padilla lamented that at present, the industry of talent management is not professionalized. Thus, he said it is "high time to establish standards that will enhance the quality of their work by developing their skills and values associated with becoming part of a professional group."

Under the bill, talent management companies must procure a license from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), with the licensee posting the license conspicuously in its office. The license shall be effective for one year.

DOLE may suspend the license if the licensee violated it or ceased to be of good moral character, made material misrepresentation in applying for the license, or convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude.

Also, the talent manager will submit to the DOLE for approval the form of contract for services and schedule of fees. The talent manager must also keep records of the artists and their fees. The DOLE may inspect such records.

Media networks may own, manage, or operate a talent management company but the company is considered a separate and independent entity.

The media network is held liable for damages to the offended party if the talent manager with whom it has a contract with - whether regular or not - is convicted of rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment and violence.