MANILA — Actress and filmmaker Bela Padilla attended a recent hearing of the House of Representatives’ committee on creative industries, lending her support to the bill that seeks to strengthen the Philippine film sector through the creation of the Philippine Film Commission.
Padilla, who served as one of the resource speakers, shared in an Instagram post on Wednesday, March 18, that she was unable to stay for the entire hearing due to a filming schedule. “I was only able to stay for everybody’s opening statements, but I actually had answers for the ten questions I was sent beforehand,” she said.
She recounted her experiences speaking in Switzerland and Italy, where she shared insights on filmmaking in a developing country. “The reaction was always the same. They’re amazed at our output when our budgets are so low,” Padilla said. She added that it saddens her when Filipinos harshly criticize local films in comparison to international projects with far higher budgets, noting that foreign audiences often appreciate Filipino films more than locals do.
Padilla highlighted the opportunities presented by proposals from Negros Occidental Rep. Javi Benitez, chairman of the House Special Committee on Creative Industries. “I was pleasantly surprised to see the other day that the bill covers so much of what needs to be addressed like fair equity for creatives and producers,” she noted.
Despite leaving early to return to her set, Padilla vowed to continue supporting the industry. “What I clearly saw the other day is that one truly doesn’t need to be elected to help. And there are people elected who still care,” she said. She concluded on an optimistic note: “We have a long way to go. But this bill, if passed and done correctly, will get us closer.”
The proposed Philippine Film Commission would provide incentives, funding, and skills development programs for filmmakers, aiming to uplift the local film industry and give creatives greater support and recognition.