SEN. Jinggoy Estrada is optimistic the landmark legislation that will protect the workers in the movie and television industry will be enacted before Congress adjourns sine die.

The proposed Eddie Garcia Law will not go through bicameral conference deliberations after the House of Representatives adopted the bill's Senate version.

Estrada, who is the proponent of the measure in the Senate, said the enrolled bill can now be transmitted to Malacañang for the President's signature.

"For the hardworking, creative, passionate, and dedicated individuals working tirelessly to entertain us, whether on the big screen and TV, this is a long-awaited and much-deserved remuneration," said Estrada, chairman of the Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development.

The bill was named after the late veteran actor Eddie Garcia, who died following an accident while he was on set in 2019.

It imposes the strict implementation of an eight-hour work shift, to a maximum of 14 hours or a total of 60 hours a week.

It provides insurance coverage for workers in case of accident or death during a movie or TV production, the right to unionize, and protection from violence, harassment or any act that degrades the workers.

Employers must provide contracts, transportation expenses, social security, and welfare benefits to ensure better working conditions and standards.

A Movie and Television Industry Tripartite Council comprised of representatives from the government, employers, and industry workers will be created to provide advice and consultation on policies and programs according to the country's Labor Code.

"We hope this will be signed and become law soon. This fulfills the long-awaited protection for the welfare and rights of TV and movie industry workers. This is our tribute to 'Manoy' Eddie Garcia and the industry's dedicated workers. His death will not be in vain," Estrada said in Filipino.