In a bid to help the movie industry and attract more moviegoers, former Interior Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. is pushing for the removal of the 10 percent amusement tax.
Speaking at the announcement of the second batch of official film entries for the 50th edition of the annual Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) on Tuesday, Abalos said his proposal will be a big boost to efforts to help the industry still grappling with the effects of the pandemic.
“Three years ago, I was MMDA chairman and head of the execom of the 2021 MMFF. It was also a most critical time for the local film industry. There was COVID and the cinemas were shut down,” he said.
“I was talking to producers to ask them how they will survive and earn. They told them they will keep producing films regardless of whether they earn or not. The movie industry is unique – through thick and thin they strive on,” Abalos added.
Abalos said, however, underscored the need to attract moviegoers to support the local film industry.
One solution he suggested is to amend Republic Act 960, which allows local governments to charge cinemas up to 10 percent of their earnings from ticket sales.
Abalos, a lawyer by profession, said that while the movie industry is slowly bouncing back, removing the tax will help the movie industry.
Abalos also lauded the current leadership of the MMDA and the MMFF, led by Don Artes, for announcing the Metro Manila Council, composed of all mayors in the National Capital Region, agreed to waive the amusement tax on local films in Metro Manila for the next three years.
“We must replicate this in the entire country. And not just during the MMFF. We must remove the amusement tax, or lessen it, to help reduce the cost and lower ticket prices, as it is a pass-on charge that consumers ultimately bear,” Abalos said.
Vilma Santos and Vice Ganda will headline the 50th edition of the MMFF with their movies “Uninvited” and “The Breadwinner” as part of the 10 entries for the annual film festival that will run from December 25, 2024 to January 7, 2025.
