Bill seeks better pay, benefits for media, entertainment workers

MANILA, Philippines – A measure pushing for added protection, security and benefits for media and entertainment workers is being pushed in Senate.

Senate Bill No. 1183, or the Media and Entertainment Workers’ Welfare Act, is currently pending. 

Among the changes the measure is pushing for is the mandatory written contract for media and entertainment workers, which would contain the itemization of work and services provided by the worker, as well as the salaries and wages of the worker. 

The contract will also have the name and registered address of the parties, as well as the terms and conditions of the mutual obligations of parties. 

Without this, fines ranging from P10,000 to P100,000 will be slapped to the media or entertainment entity, or the hiring party. 

Pay and benefits of media and entertainment workers should not be lower than minimum standards, the act sought, and work should not exceed 16 hours per day. 

Elderly workers, on the other hand, should not exceed 12 hours of work a day, and children’s hours should adhere to laws. 

Overtime work and night shift differential pay, as well as hazard pay and insurance benefits for media workers should also be provided. 

Occupational Safety and Health Standards should likewise be strictly complied upon, as provided by Republic Act no. 11058. 

For media workers in the public sector, the Civil Service Commission will form the appropriate rules and regulations, and the Department of Labor and Employment will implement the provisions of the act. 

“It is the declared policy of the State to accord full protection to labor and to promote full employment and equality of employment opportunities for all. Pursuant to the Constitution, all workers shall be guaranteed the right to self-organization, collective bargaining and negotiations, and peaceful concerted activities,” the measure read. 

“They shall also be entitled to security of tenure, humane conditions of work and a living wage. They shall participate in policy and decision-making processes affecting their rights and benefits as may be provided by law,” it added. 

The act, which was filed by Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go in August last year, is still pending in the committee as of September 7, 2022. 

Go also said he is supporting Senate Bill No. 2505, or the “Eddie Garcia Law,” which he co-authored and tackled in the plenary before the session ended this year. 

This provides support and protection to movie and television industry workers. 

The bill, filed on December 5, is currently pending second reading.