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The massive amounts of pesos that might have been lost in the flood control scandal could have been a game-changer for the country’s entertainment scene! This could have helped those hardworking individuals who often go underappreciated, says the Film Workers Against Corruption (FWAC) in a recent press conference.
“Filipino filmmakers are just like workers in any other field—they’re putting in long hours and not getting paid enough,” explained JL T. Burgos, Chairperson of Surian ng Sining, during the FWAC event. “When funds go missing, it’s only a handful who actually gain. If we invested more in arts and culture, it would make a huge difference for those behind the scenes,” he emphasized.
Mr. Burgos highlighted how most indie entertainment workers rely on government support since they lack the financial backing from major media companies to create their projects.
With better government funding, these often-overlooked crew members would receive fairer pay, he added.
The National Expenditure Program (NEP) outlines that for the 2026 fiscal year, only P1.8 billion is set aside for cultural institutions like the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the National Museum of the Philippines, along with other related agencies.
Filmmaker Joanne Marian B. Cesario pointed out that the budget for cultural agencies is just a tiny fraction of the P100 billion reportedly lost to corruption. “It’s shocking to see such a huge gap,” she remarked during the briefing.
Allegations suggest that this funding problem originates from the 2025 national budget, which President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. approved, according to former lawmaker Elizaldy S. Co.
The group emphasized that accountability is crucial for everyone involved in the flood control scandal—including President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. if his participation is confirmed—as well as the alleged misuse of confidential funds by Vice President Sarah Jane I. Duterte.
“We’re facing two sides of the same coin when it comes to corruption,” said Mr. Burgos, referencing the Marcos and Duterte factions. “Both are stealing. There is no difference between misusing flood control funds and confidential funds,” he added.
The alliance also called for better enforcement of the “Eddie Garcia Law,” which aims to safeguard workers’ rights and welfare.
They urged adherence to work hours, fair wages, benefits, and regularization, along with uniform salary guidelines for below-the-line workers.
According to Republic Act 11961, employers are required to provide workers or contractors with detailed contracts outlining work hours, job positions, employment duration, and compensation details in a language that’s clear for everyone.
This law also mandates wage-related benefits, overtime pay, social security, and other essential government-required benefits.
Additonally, the group is advocating for a reduction in the hefty 30 percent amusement tax on movie and TV ticket sales, which is dictated by the Local Government Code (RA 7160). They contend that such high taxes add an extra layer of stress to the industry, especially with limited government funding and reports of public funds being mismanaged.
The Film Workers Against Corruption has announced plans to join an anti-corruption rally called “Baha sa Luneta 2.0” on Nov. 30, demanding accountability from the government. — Edg Adrian A. Eva
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