Senate approves ‘Eddie Garcia Bill’

Filipino movie icon’s family lauds Congress for passage of “Eddie Garcia Law” The family of the late Filipino movie icon Eddie Garcia expressed deep appreciation to Congress for passing legislation that aims to guarantee fair treatment and more protection of movie and television workers in the country. Olivia Lagman Romero, Garcia’s long-time partner, stated in a press release that the proposed Eddie Garcia Law reflects what the exceptionally talented actor desired during his lifetime: ‘to enhance the local entertainment industry and uplift the lives of those working behind it.’

She remarked, “The significant, tragic accident that led to Eddie Garcia’s untimely demise was not in vain. It served a purpose and paved the way to achieve a noble end.” “This is Manoy’s [Garcia’s nickname] best gift and lasting contribution to the Philippine entertainment industry, which he loved and served well for 70 years,” Lagman Romero stated. She added, “Naming it (the Eddie Garcia Law) is the most beautiful tribute and his most invaluable legacy.”

House Bill 1270, was filed by 1PACMAN Partylist Rep. Michael “Mikee” L. Romero following Garcia’s passing on June 20, 2019. It was finally approved on February 7, 2023. The Senate approved its version of the Eddie Garcia Law a year later, with Senator Jinggoy Estrada, chairman of the Senate Committee on Labor, as principal sponsor. Garcia, renowned for his roles in over 700 movies, which earned him numerous awards as an actor and director, tragically died following an accident during the filming of a television series.

This incident prompted Romero and other lawmakers to push for the Eddie Garcia Law, which aims to ensure fair wages and better working conditions for entertainment sector workers. Lagman-Romero highlighted that among the provisions of the Eddie Garcia bill are the right to decent and fair wages, the right to productive work and standardization of working hours, and the right to favorable, safe, and healthy conditions. She expressed gratitude to Estrada, chairman of the Senate Committee on Labor, and the 21 senators for unanimously approving the measure.

She also acknowledged her son, Congressman Mikee Romero, and other congressmen for leading and authorizing the act for the benefit of all talents and workers in the Philippine entertainment industry. Lagman-Romero also cited the Film Development Council of the Philippines, the Mowelfund, and various guilds and organizations in the industry for their support for the measure.