Jinggoy Estrada wants to improve the film industry in the Philippines
Senator Jinggoy Estrada asked for support from the government for the struggling Philippine film industry.
Aside from being a politician, Estrada has also spent many years in the entertainment industry. His father, former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada was one of the pillars of showbiz.
In his speech during the plenary session last Tuesday, the actor-politician stated the current status of the film industry in the country, based on the article in Balita. He said that Pinoy films are “naghihingalo.”
“For this year, only nine (9) local movies have been released, according to theater group operators. Nine out of the 20 Filipino films reviewed by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board or MTRCB since January this year,” Sen. Jinggoy Estrada said.
He also said that it saddened him that at one point, Pinoy films that were being produced reached 300 per year, and now, not a fraction of this number is being released. The Senator also mentioned that FDCP chairperson and CEO Tirso Cruz III said that in order for a quality film to be produced, it needs a P10 million to a P30 million budget.
With this, Estrada suggested that the government should eliminate the amusement tax, value-added tax, and distribution fee. “Paano ba natin matutulungan ang naghihingalong industriya? Kailangan ba nating i-subsidize ang paggawa ng mga pelikula? How will we do it? Should we give incentives to the movie producers or review the current tax structure?” the lawmaker said.
Sen. Jinggoy Estrada believes that this will greatly affect the government’s revenue. Removing the said taxes will help the entertainment industry, the lawmaker said. He also pointed out the ailing entertainment industry does not only need support from the government but also from movie-goers.
What can you say about this?
READ ALSO: Maricar Reyes Says She’s ‘The Tax Collector’ When 2009 Scandal Happened
Please like and follow/subscribe:
Philnews.ph FB Page
Viral Facts
Philnews YouTube Channel
