Stop ‘commercializing’ MMFF, says lawmaker

“We have to reform the Metro Manila Film Festival based on the findings of hearings conducted by the Committee on Metro Manila Development. The filmfest has become a highly commercialized business, sacrificing the genuine intention of showcasing Filipino creativity and talent,” Buhay party-list Rep. Lito Atienza said on Thursday during the second day of the congressional investigation of alleged irregularities in the recent MMFF.

Rep. Winston Castelo, committee chairman, announced the creation of a Technical Working Group (TWG) that would oversee reforms and reorganization urgently needed, including dissolution of the MMFF Executive Committee (Execom) and removing it from government control.