Robin eyes tariffs for foreign shows to boost PH showbz industry
TO encourage our film industry to generate more Filipino movies and teleseryes, Sen. Robinhood “Robin” C. Padilla is eyeing tariffs for their counterparts from abroad.
Padilla said the funds from these tariffs for “imported” shows can be used to provide assistance to Filipinos working in the film industry.
At the Senate hearing on the 2023 budget of the Film and Development Council of the Philippines, Padilla raised the possibility of finding ways to raise taxes for foreign series entering the Philippines which can then fund subsidies for workers in Philippine film industry.
“Besides, the entry of foreign shows is costing many workers in our local industry their jobs,” he said at the Senate hearing on the 2023 budget of the Film Development Council of the Philippines.
Padilla also supported providing additional funds to the FDCP for the restoration of old Philippine films; as well as the FDCP’s bid to have its own building with its own vault to preserve old Filipino films.
According to FDCP Chairman Tirso Cruz III, the building will last for at least 40 to 50 years, and the P500,000 monthly rent can be realigned to helping film industry workers, especially young directors and scriptwriters.
Likewise, Padilla supported the idea of making tourism sites out of areas where Filipino films were made.
“Ang pelikula pag tiningnan natin investment na ito habang buhay. Kung preserved or restored walang pagtanda dito. Kasaysayan ito, kultura. Ito masasabi na treasure natin,” he said.
In Southeast Asia, Senator Padilla said that Filipinos were among the first to make movies, adding that Filipinos won awards for best film and best actor.
