NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
Second Regular Session
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23 AUG 29 P1 :36
RKEIVtO B\:
SENATE
S.B. No. 2427
Introduced by Senator JOEL VILLANUEVA
AN ACT PROVIDING ENHANCED PROTECTION, 
SECURITY AND BENEFITS FOR MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT
WORKERS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
It is undeniable that the media and entertainment industries have played 
crucial roles in our daily lives and our society as a whole. It has defined and 
affected how each of us thinks and acts in innumerable ways. These past two 
years, the contribution of these industries has been significant, not only in keeping 
viewers informed of the current events and issues in the Philippines and the world, 
but also in providing a helpful and uplifting distraction or reprieve from the stresses 
and challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Workers in these industries risk their own lives, exposing themselves to 
the perils and hazards outdoor just so we receive needed information in the 
comforts of our homes. However, it is unfortunate that the very same people 
behind it are not receiving the tangible fruits of this recognition, such as security 
of tenure, hazard pay, night shift differential pay, and overtime pay, among others.
This bill seeks to provide the necessary labor and other protection to media 
and entertainment workers, pursuant to the Constitutional guarantee for full 
protection to labor. To this end, this bill seeks to achieve the following objectives:
1) To ensure that media and entertainment workers are provided with 
comprehensive benefits package at par with the current benefits enjoyed 
by those in the labor force both in the government and in the private sector;
2) To motivate and encourage media and entertainment workers to perform 
their duties as truthful and responsible informers of the people; and


3) To ensure the creation of a safe and protected work environment, conducive 
to a productive, free, and fruitful media and entertainment work, as well as 
to guarantee the right of these workers to self-organization.
The immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
SENATOR/JOEL VILLANUEVA


NINTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE 
S.B. No. 2427
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■ Jt.-.T
23 AUG 29 PI 36
Rl-CEIVTD ii\.
Introduced by Sen. JOEL VILLANUEVA
AN ACT PROVIDING ENHANCED PROTECTION, 
SECURITY AND BENEFITS FOR MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT
WORKERS
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Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Phiiippines in 
Congress assembled:
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Media and 
Entertainment Workers' Welfare Act."
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the declared policy of the State to accord 
full protection to labor and 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. 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. To 
this end, workers in the media and entertainment industry shall:
(a) 
Have the right to a safe and healthful workplace, a safe atmosphere conducive 
to free and fruitful media and entertainment work, and freedom from any 
harassment, consistent with the Constitutional guarantee of the freedoms of 
speech, press, and expression; and
(b) 
Have all the rights accorded to workers in accordance with Philippine laws, 
ratified international labor standards, conventions, and other relevant 
instruments.
SEC. 3. Coverage. - This Act shall cover all workers in the media and 
entertainment industry, as defined herein.
(a) Media and Entertainment Workers include:


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(1) 
Workers who are engaged in the pursuit of information gathering, 
production, report, and distribution of media, directly or indirectly, whether 
as a principal occupation or otherwise, such as, but not limited to, 
reporters, journalists, correspondents, broadcast news analysts, writers 
and authors, editors, and photographers; and
(2) 
Workers in the audio-visual production, such as, but not limited to, director, 
assistant director, director of photography, production designer, 
production manager/unit production manager, location manager, technical 
crew, department heads, department crew, on-camera performers, and 
talents; and
(b) Media and Entertainment Industry consists of persons, whether natural or 
juridical, engaged in film, television, radio broadcast, print, or theater 
productions.
SEC. 4. Mandatory Written Contract. - Prior to the commencement of any 
work, it shall be mandatory for the worker and the media or entertainment entity to 
enter into a written contract detailing the terms of their engagement. The contract shall 
be in a language understood by both parties and shall, at the minimum, contain the 
following:
(a) 
Itemization of all work and/or services to be provided by the worker and the 
terms and conditions of the engagement;
(b) 
The rate and method of compensation, the date on which salaries and/or wages 
shall be paid, or mechanisms by which such due date shall be determined, 
subject to applicable laws, rules and regulations;
(c) 
The name and registered address of all parties, and in the case of a foreign or 
foreign-based entity, the name and address of the local agent or representative, 
or any duly acknowledged representative based in the Philippines; and
(d) 
Other terms and conditions that govern the performance of the mutual 
obligations of the parties that are not contrary to law, morals, good customs, 
public order, or public policy.
In case of failure to enter into a written agreement, the media or entertainment 
entity or the hiring party shall be liable for a fine ranging from Ten Thousand Pesos 
(Php10,000.00) to One Hundred Thousand Pesos (Php100,000.00), depending on the 
amount of the agreement involved; Provided, That in the absence of a written 
agreement, any written exchange or proof of submission and receipt of the completed 
task, work or service subject of the engagement, whether electronic or printed, shall 
be sufficient basis for collection of compensation or payment; Provided, finally, That 
the absence of a written agreement shall not be a bar to the collection of compensation 
and/or payment for the services or work rendered by the media or entertainment 
worker.
SEC. 5. Compensation and Terms of Work - Regardless of the nature of 
engagement, pay and related benefits of media and entertainment workers shall not 
be lower than the minimum standards, as provided by laws.


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SEC. 6. Hours of Work - The normal hours of work shall not exceed eight (8) 
hours, except when the exigencies of the service so require. In such a case, the 
maximum hours of work shall not exceed sixteen (16) hours in any twenty-four (24)- 
hour period.
However, for elderly workers, the maximum hours of work shall not exceed 
twelve (12) hours per day, while work hours of children shall adhere to the provisions 
of Republic Act No. 7610 or the "Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, 
Exploitation and Discrimination Acf, and Republic Act No. 9231 or the "Elimination of 
the Worst Forms of Child Labor and Affording Stronger Protection for the Working 
Child Acf'.
All hours spent by workers required or suffered to be on standby and are 
restricted to the confines of the workplace or work premises, or are required or 
engaged to wait shall be considered hours worked and compensable waiting time.
SEC. 7. Overtime Work and Night Shift Differential Pay. - In all cases, media 
and entertainment workers shall be entitled to, in accordance with law or applicable 
collective bargaining agreement, whichever is higher, overtime pay for work rendered 
beyond the eight (8) hours normal work per day and to nightshift differential for work 
rendered between 10:00 o'clock in the evening to 6:00 o'clock in the morning the 
following day.
SEC. 8. Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Standards. - All entities in 
the media and entertainment industry shall comply with the provisions of Republic Act 
No. 11058, otherwise known as "An Act Strengthening Compliance with Occupational 
Safety and Health Standards and Providing Penalties for Violations Thereof" For this 
purpose, the media or entertainment entity who is in charge of, or manages, controls, 
or supervises the work being undertaken, and who has direct or indirect control over 
the workplace shall undertake the following:
(a) 
Observance of occupational safety and health standards, in accordance with 
law and pertinent rules and regulations of the Department of Labor and 
Employment (DOLE);
(b) 
Mandatory presence of OSH personnel:
(c) 
Creation of Safety and Health Committee, as provided under Republic Act No. 
11058;
(d) 
Conduct of safety operation;
(e) 
Provision of first aid;
(f) 
Provision of personal protective equipment;
(g) 
Conduct of risk assessment;
(h) 
Preparation of an Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan;
(i) 
Provision of adequate sanitary and privacy provisions; and
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(j) Such other requirements as may be necessary, taking into consideration the 
risks and/or hazards involved in the workplace and the nature of the work to be 
performed.
In all cases, workers shall have the right to refuse unsafe work in accordance 
with law.
For the avoidance of doubt, compliance with OSH regulations shall be equally 
applicable to contractors/subcontractors and block timers, or those who buy airtime 
from radio and television franchise holders.
SEC. 9. Hazard Pay. - Media workers that are required to physically report for 
work in dangerous areas, such as strife-torn or embattled areas, distressed or isolated 
stations, disease-infested areas, or in areas declared under state of calamity or health 
emergency, which expose them to great danger, contagion, radiation, volcanic 
activity/eruption, occupational risks or perils to life and limb shall be provided with 
hazard pay, in an amount equivalent to at least twenty-five percent (25%) of their basic 
daily wage or compensation.
Micro and small enterprises, as defined under Republic Act No. 6977, as 
amended, otherwise known as the "Magna Carta for Micro, Small, and Medium 
Enterprises", may, upon proper application with the Department of Labor and 
Employment (DOLE), apply for an exemption for the grant of hazard pay.
SEC. 10. Additional Insurance Benefits for Media Workers. - Within two 
(2) years from the effectivity of this Act, the DOLE, Department of Finance, National 
Economic Development Authority, Social Security System, Government Service 
Insurance System, Employees' Compensation Commission, and other relevant 
government agencies shall study the feasibility and submit a plan for the 
implementation of providing additional insurance benefit to workers in the media and 
entertainment industry. As far as practicable, the additional benefits shall include the 
following minimum benefits:
(a) 
Death Benefit of Two Hundred Thousand Pesos (Php 200,000.00) for each 
media worker who shall perish in the line of duty;
(b) 
Disability Benefits of up to Two Hundred Thousand Pesos (Php 200,000.00) for 
each media worker who shall suffer total or partial disability, whether permanent 
or temporary, arising from any injury sustained in the line of duty; and
(c) 
Reimbursement of actual medical expenses up to, but not to exceed. One 
Hundred Thousand Pesos (Php 100,000.00) for each media worker who shall 
be hospitalized or who shall require medical attendance for injuries sustained 
while in the line of duty.
Provided, That nothing herein shall be construed as a limitation for the parties 
to agree to additional insurance coverage beyond the insurance benefits provided by 
law; Provided finally. That the foregoing amounts shall be adjusted every three years 
for inflation and other factors.


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SEC. 11. Media Workers in the Pubiic Sector. - The Civil Service 
Commission shall issue the appropriate rules and regulations applicable to media 
workers in the public sector to ensure compliance with the rights and privileges granted 
to media workers under this Act, subject to applicable laws, rules and regulations 
governing workers in the public sector.
Media workers in the government service not otherwise covered by the Civil 
Service laws, rules, and regulations shall be entitled to the benefits provided under 
this Act.
Subject to the provisions of the Constitution and applicable civil service laws, 
rules, and regulations, government media entities shall prioritize the appointment to 
regular plantilla positions of incumbent casual, contract of service, or job order 
employees who have rendered exemplary and outstanding service.
SEC. 12. Compiiance and Reporting Requirements. - The DOLE shall be 
the primary agency responsible for the implementation of the provisions of this Act. 
Compliance with labor standards shall be enforced by the DOLE Regional Office which 
has jurisdiction over the workplace of the media entity in accordance with the Labor 
Code and pertinent rules and regulations. Covered entities under this Act shall also 
comply with the reportorial requirements provided under Republic Act No. 11058, 
including, but not limited to, the notification of shooting location and schedule to the 
DOLE Regional Office over the shooting location, and to the Film Development 
Council of the Philippines, as applicable.
The Civil Service Commission (CSC) shall be responsible for implementing the 
provisions of this Act in the public sector in accordance with applicable laws, rules and 
regulations.
SEC. 13. Responsibiiities of Media Entities. - A media entity shall be 
responsible for all contents released under its name in accordance with law.
SEC. 14. Tripartite Councii. - The DOLE shall spearhead the creation of an 
industry tripartite council for entertainment and news media, which may be separate 
or as one industry. Such tripartite council/s shall serve as the platform of the industry 
and its stakeholders in crafting policy and programs that will affect them and the 
industry as a whole.
SEC. 15. impiementing Ruies and Reguiations. - The DOLE, in consultation 
with appropriate government agencies and relevant stakeholders, shall promulgate 
the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) within 120 days from the effectivity of 
this Act.
SEC. 16. Separabiiity Ciause. - If, for any reason, any provision or section of 
this Act is declared unconstitutional or invalid, such portions not affected thereby shall 
remain in full force and effect.
SEC. 17. Repeating Ciause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and 
regulations inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified 
accordingly.


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SEC. 18. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after
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its publication in the Official Gazette or at least two (2) newspapers of general
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circulation.
Approved,