Journalist Lynda Jumilla-Abalos criticized Representative Alfred Vargas for his proposed bill that gives foreign film and TV productions an incentive in filming in the Philippines.
Rep. Vargas proposed the bill in light of the Philippines missing out on the opportunity from the movie ‘Mission Impossible‘.
In his proposed bill, foreign filmmakers will be provided with leeway in terms of grants and tax rebates.
The bill will also provide leeway for the filmmakers’ working Visas for foreign production. The bill aims to encourage foreign filmmakers to take advantage of the country’s scenery.
Lynda Jumilla-Abalos posted on Twitter criticizing Rep. Vargas for his proposed bill. In her post, she said that the easier way to support the Philippine film industry is not taking away their jobs.
https://twitter.com/lyndajumilla/status/1304067074340327430
In her Twitter reply, she noted that Vargas is one of the representatives who didn’t support ABS-CBN.
Btw, your honor, sir: you refused to support #ABSCBN “due to conflict of interest,” as a former talent of the network.
Following your logic, wouldn’t the same apply to your bill which would benefit you as an actor?
Don’t me.
— Lynda Jumilla-Abalos (@lyndajumilla) September 10, 2020
During ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal hearing, Rep. Vargas was one of the representatives who abstained from voting due to conflict of interest. This garnered negative feedback from netizens, saying that Rep. Vargas lacked the courage to support employees of ABS-CBN.
Rep. Vargas started out his career with ABS-CBN’s Star Magic. He had roles in the ‘teleserye’, Pangako Sa ‘yo.
Rep. Vargas gained popularity in the film Bridal Shower and his TV role in the GMA7 fantasy series, Encantadia, and Etheria. He went into politics as a Councilor in Quezon City in 2010. In 2013, He won a congressional position under the Liberal Party under Pnoy. In 2016, He left the liberal party favoring the PDP-Laban Partylist.
His last TV role was in the GMA7 hit TV series, Kambal Karibal which he did while balancing his congressional duties.
