"No one who achieves success does so without acknowledging the help of others. The wise and confident acknowledge this help with gratitude."

— Alfred White Northead

AMIDST the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry lies a narrative often overshadowed — the tale of unsung heroes whose dedication and perseverance laid the foundation for change.

The Philippine film industry has long contended with substandard working conditions and exhaustive hours, a grim reality that went unchallenged until a unified outcry demanded change. For 100 years, the absence of protective policies for workers' safety and health was palpable.

The columnist with the late Eddie Garcia, after whom the bill was named.

The story of the Eddie Garcia Bill — a legislative measure aimed at institutionalizing safe and fair working conditions within the film sector — is not just about the bill itself but also about the individuals who tirelessly championed its cause.

The path leading to the Eddie Garcia Bill was a prolonged endeavor that started years before its Senate approval. Persistent grassroots movements and cooperative initiatives characterized this journey.

Tracing back to Lino Brocka's movement to support workers' rights in the '80s to the landmark Film Workers Summit in 2017, which I organized during my tenure as the head of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), the foundation was meticulously laid.

In 2018, our team initiated a successful collaboration with Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE), culminating in the issuance of Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1 or the Guidelines Governing the Working Conditions and Occupational Safety and Health of Audiovisual Workers.

This memorandum — a product of extensive consultations with stakeholders from various industry sectors, including technical crews, directors, producers, and actors — served as the preliminary foundation for the Eddie Garcia bill.

Calls for reform and a more permanent solution still repeatedly echoed over the years. However, it was the heartbreaking loss of cinema legend Eddie Garcia on June 20, 2019, that finally sparked significant action.

Garcia's untimely death ignited a powerful response among industry workers and laid bare the frailties of a seemingly glamorous industry to the public eye, ushering in fervent demands for safety and health standards.

In 2020, Rep. Michael Romero, stepson of Eddie Garcia, together with other members of the House of Representatives, filed for the Eddie Garcia Act, which prescribes sector-specific safety and health standards for the entertainment industry. A similar Bill was filed in the Senate.

Four years later, a new chapter is set to unfold with the approval of the Eddie Garcia Bill in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

As we celebrate our victory, comprehending its origin and recognizing key players is vital to fully grasp this tale of triumph. Just like in the movies, as we cheer for the heroes leading us to victory, we must also appreciate the unsung contributors.

These behind-the-scenes individuals, the supporting cast, have worked tirelessly without seeking recognition, yet their roles are equally significant.

The government side

Ria Rubia, the former Executive Director of FDCP, meticulously helped me devise the execution plan for extensive consultation sessions, shaping sector-specific safety and health policy for the film industry.

Rachelle Villaluna and Apple Barbero, key contributors to the FDCP policy team assisted by Jayvee Santos from the National Registry of Workers, demonstrated steadfast commitment in aiding me to shape the provisions of the DOLE-FDCP Joint Memorandum Agreement — the provisional policy that set the stage for the Eddie Garcia Bill.

Rep. Michael Romero authored the Eddie Garcia Bill in honor of his stepfather, PH cinema icon Eddie Garcia. I reached out to his office in June 2019, days after Tito Eddie's untimely death, offering collaboration to honor him through a legacy bill that will set a new beginning for our sector. His office promptly established a policy group to assist in the consultation process, effectively molding the provisions of the bill.

Marcial Custodio 3rd, representing Rep. Michael Romero's office, consistently attended consultations and hearings, ensuring that the voices of film workers were heard within legislative corridors.

Former DoLE Secretary Silvestre Bello 3rd, true to his advocacy to champion the rights of film workers, gave the directive to prioritize the approval of the DoLE-FDCP Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) outlining temporary safety measures for film workers. While this offers interim protection, the JMC has become a jump-off point that established crucial provisions now being used in this bill. We are grateful that it did, as it reflects the pulse and inputs of people from the industry themselves.

Usec. Benjo Benavidez, Assistant Secretary Tess Cocueco, Mafel Somera Sebastian-Sanchez and Dr. Mark Valeros from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Bureau of Working Conditions who provided invaluable support in navigating the complexities of labor policies and organized the consultations on the side of DOLE and processed the protocol in compliance with the requirements.

Rep. Eric Pineda, Rep. Raymond Mendoza and Rep. Toff De Venecia, the most active members of Congress who pushed for the Eddie Garcia Bill in the House of Representatives and initiated Technical Working Group sessions outside of the Batasang Pambansa to help create support and workshop the provisions in the bill.

With former FDCP executive director Ria Rubia and Ice Seguerra With former DoLE Secretary Silvestre Bello 3rd With actor Bembol Rocco

The private sector side

Leo Martinez, actor and the former Director General of the Film Academy of the Philippines and a board member during my tenure as the head of the national film agency has been a steadfast ally. He persistently advocated for the film sector in every consultation, technical working group session, and legislative hearing related to the bill. His lobbying efforts precede my time as the head of the FDCP and have been instrumental in our progress.

Rez Cortez, actor and the president of the Movie Workers Welfare Foundation (Mowelfund) has been tirelessly advocating to various stakeholders for support of the bill. His consistent presence at every consultation, meeting, and technical working group session underscores his role as a knowledgeable resource in the bill's formation.

Ice Seguerra, singer and actor, started as a child star at the age of three, and with 37 years under his belt, he has witnessed the industry's ups and downs. Having collaborated with almost every network and various film productions and starred in over 50 movies, his insights and experiences have greatly informed the policies we've drafted to promote safe working conditions in the film industry.

Joel Lamangan, director and current board member of the Directors' Guild of the Philippines (DGPI), as well as the founder of Nagkakaisang Mangagawa sa Pelikulang Pilipino (NMPP), has consistently advocated for the rights of marginalized workers in the film sector. His invaluable insights into the struggles of film workers have been instrumental. Serving as my mentor during my tenure at FDCP, he has inspired me to persevere in my goal of leaving a lasting legacy in the industry, particularly during my time in government.

With some of the early proponents and supporters of the Eddie Garcia bill — congressmen Mikee Romero, Toff de Venecia and Eric Pineda With some of the early proponents and supporters of the Eddie Garcia bill — congressmen Mikee Romero, Toff de Venecia and Eric Pineda With some of the early proponents and supporters of the Eddie Garcia bill — congressmen Mikee Romero, Toff de Venecia and Eric Pineda

Actors Bembol Roco and Iza Calzado, prominent figures in the acting industry, played a pivotal role in rallying support from their peers. Representing the Actor's sector, their involvement was instrumental in gaining momentum. Throughout the initial consultations from 2019 to the present, they consistently showed their support for the initiative, actively promoting and appealing to fellow actors for solidarity.

These individuals are among the dedicated advocates I've had the privilege to consistently work with during the early phases of pushing for this bill to be passed. Other stakeholders have undertaken parallel efforts, all rallying for the same cause.

The significance of the Eddie Garcia Bill extends beyond its legislative framework; it represents a victory of solidarity and collective action. From lawmakers and government agencies to industry stakeholders, the passage of this landmark legislation epitomizes the power of collaboration in driving meaningful change.

As we celebrate the approval of the Eddie Garcia Bill, let us not forget the unsung champions whose tireless efforts laid the groundwork for its success. Their names may not adorn headlines or grace red carpets, but their contributions are etched into the fabric of this transformative legislation.

In honoring their contributions, we reaffirm our commitment to building a film industry defined by fairness, safety and dignity for all.

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