MMFF films with actor-politicos face Comelec ban Marinel Cruz Philippine Daily Inquirer
November 05, 2009
MANILA, Philippines—The success of this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival, which opens on Christmas Day, may just depend on the Commission on Elections.
Metro Manila Development Authority chief Bayani Fernando, also festival executive committee chair, said in a press con on Wednesday that three out of the seven official movie entries were at risk of being banned.
Fernando said this was because Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. and boxing champ Manny Pacquiao, lead actors in the fantasy films “Panday” and “Wapakman,” respectively, may run for public office in 2010. Comedian-TV host Willie Revillame, a cast member of the comedy flick “Juan,” starring Dolphy, is also rumored to be joining the political race.
The possible ban may be brought on by Section 80 of the Omnibus Election Code, which prohibits “any person … to engage in an election campaign or partisan political activity except during the campaign period (90 days before the polls).” Fernando said the Comelec may consider the movies as campaign vehicles.
MMFF execom member Boots Anson-Roa, also Mowelfund executive director, argued that “the movies are anything but political.” It would be a pity for the festival to lose “Panday,” she told Inquirer Entertainment. “It is expected to be one of the top-grossers this season—festival beneficiaries will be adversely affected.” She said the execom has submitted an appeal to the Comelec.
Elaine Lozano, GMA Films line producer for “Panday,” said, “The movie is almost finished. We hope to get word from the Comelec right away so we can decide what to do next. We also want to know from the execom if we could submit another movie if ‘Panday’ is banned.”
Another execom member, Manuel Nuqui, president of the Philippine Motion Pictures Producers Association, said Comelec chair Jose Melo has, in fact, spoken in favor of actor-politicians. “Ara Mina visited the Comelec recently to ask if she could still work as an actress even if she plans to run for Quezon City councilor. She said her (GMA 7) soap opera and sitcom were her main sources of [income]. Melo reportedly told her it was okay, as long as she wouldn’t be campaigning on the programs.”
