Funds lost to flood growth could have subsidized entertainment industries, a film industry group said
The billions of pesos that may have been deposited as a result of flood control could be used to support the country’s entertainment industry, helping to improve the conditions of underserved workers, according to the Film Workers Against Corruption (FWAC) on Friday.
“Filipino film lawyers are no different from workers in other industries – they also work and get paid,” Surian NG Sining Chairman, said Stipipines during the film workers against corruption forum.
“When the money is corrupted, only a few benefit. If art and culture are given high money, it can help the low-income workers a lot,” he added.
Mr. Burgos said that most of the independent private entertainment industries depend on government subsidies, because they do not have the financial support of large media companies to produce content.
By spending more government money, workers below the line, who often work behind the scenes and are often overlooked, would receive fairer compensation, he said.
According to the National Expenditure Program (NEP), for fiscal year 2026, P1.8 billion is allocated to cultural organizations such as the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the National Museum.
In the mystery of Joanne Marian B. Cesario, Film, the budget allocated to cultural agencies is only part of the P100 billion allegedly spent on corruption.
“Just compare it to the P100 billion that was packed and packed with suits. The difference is clear,” said Pilipino during the interview.
The inclusion is said to be included in the national budget of 2025, green signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., according to the previous law Elizaldy S. Co.
The group also called to answer for everyone proven to be involved in the Flood Control, if the evidence proves his involvement, as well as other fraudulent funds, and the misuse of secret funds through the Vice President Sarah Jane
“We are dealing with two faces of deception,” said Mr. Burgos, referring to marcos and curtain groups.
“Both are thieves. There is no difference between stealing from flood control fund and private funds,” he added.
The Alliance also called for better implementation of the “Eddie Garcia Law,” which aims to protect workers’ welfare.
They called for a fair fullness of working hours, fair wages, benefits, and light, and for legislation to call for regular wages for low-level workers.
Under Republic Act 11961, employers must provide workers or contractors with a copy of their contracts, specifying their working hours, job title and description, length of work, and length of compensation in a language the parties can understand.
The law also requires the provision of related economic benefits, overtime pay, and social security and other government-approved benefits.
The group also called for a reduction of the 30 percent entertainment tax on movie and television ticket sales, authorized under the local government code (RA 7160), noting that the high rate increases the financial nature of the sector and is suspected of misuse of public money.
Film workers fighting fraud said they will join an anti-corruption rally, called “baha sa Luneta 2.0,” on November 30, to demand accountability for the government’s fraud. – Edg Adrian A. EVA
