Representatives from the movie and television industries have pledged to push forward discussions on the proposed "Eddie Garcia Law", the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said on Wednesday, Aug. 7.
DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said the representatives will establish an ongoing forum for tripartite consultations with the goal of engaging stakeholders in shaping crucial industry policies and programs.
The oath-taking marks the commencement of tripartite consultations to draft the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act No. 11996, also known as the “Eddie Garcia” law.
Scheduled consultations will begin with the workers' sector on August 8, followed by the employers' sector on August 13, and
culminating in the inaugural council meeting on August 16.
Mandated under Section 23 of the law signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in May, the council seeks to enhance protections for all workers within the movie and television industry.
“We are grateful for their commitment to help us fulfill and implement the provisions of the Eddie Garcia law,” Laguesma said.
“We are steadfast in our commitment to achieve our goals, particularly in ensuring the safety, health, and fair treatment of those who contribute to and support the television and film industries,” he added.
Furthermore, DOLE vowed to assist government and industry allies, along with workers, in ensuring fair labor conditions, extensive social protection, the right to organize and bargain collectively, and improving skills and competitiveness at all levels of the workforce.