The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has ordered GMA Network and other companies to pay Php890,000 in administrative fine for the death of veteran actor Eddie Garcia.
“Wherefore, premises considered, GMA Network Inc. and/or Atty. Felipe Enrique L. Gozon, Enhanz Aerial Photography and/or Alpha Premier Transport Services, Gapo Special Effects Services Inc., GMA 7 Employees Multipurpose Coop, Renteqaire Enterprises, CMB Film Services Inc., and Shoot Digital Video Co. are hereby ordered to pay, jointly and severally, the administrative fine in the amount of Php890,000 for violation of Sections 14 and 15 Chapter IV of Department Order (DO) No. 198 and Section 6 Rule VII of DO 183 within 10 days from receipt thereof,” the DOLE order stated.
Garcia died following a spinal injury during the shoot of a GMA teleserye, “Rosang Agimat.”
The 90-year-old actor was in coma for two weeks after the injury.
The labor Ddepartment also found GMA committing three violations of the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Law.
These include an incident report within 24 hours of the accident, no safety officer was present and first aid personnel.
The DOLE said GMA has direct supervision on shootings including the one involving Garcia.
“GMA failed to consider the age of Mr. Eddie Garcia and ensure the safety of the shooting location. While GMA may have required the production of lights and lighting effects, food for employees, talents and crew, it failed to deploy personnel that are competent to provide first aid and medical attention to all cast and crew which is in violation of DO 198,” the DOLE added.
“It has no safety officer with mandatory training on OSH certified by the Dole or by an accredited training organization when the accident happened,” the decision read.
