Boxer-senator Manny Pacquiao has filed a bill with the aim to change the name of the decades-old Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).
The senator explained that MMFF depicts “exclusivity”.
“The ‘Metro Manila’ in the Metro Manila Film Festival conveys exclusiveness of the illustrious tradition and celebration of local film production to the country’s capital,” Pacquiao stated in Bill No. 2017.
Instead of naming it “Metro Manila” Film Festival, the senator wanted to change it to “Philippine” Film Festival.
Pacquiao also added that this move is to give rightful recognition to the local movie industry’s goal—overall development of the local films in the country.
“In order to fully recognize the local movie industry’s goal of over-all developmental effort for the country, it is but suitable to rename the Metro Manila Film Festival into an inclusive “Philippine Film Festival,” he added.
Several netizens and celebrities gave their reaction towards this new bill filed by Pacquaio.
Journalist Kevin Manalo ridiculed the point of Pacquiao’s bill. In his Twitter account, Manalo even suggested that the next petition should be for the band Hotdog’s song “Manila”.
While you’re at it, petition to change the song “Manila” by the band Hotdog to “Philippines.”
— Kevin Manalo (@kevinmanalo_) January 27, 2021
Even musician Jim Paredes gave his reaction to the bill. He tweeted that filing a bill for the sole purpose of renaming MMFF, a long standing film authority with an aim to promote local films, is a waste of resources.
https://twitter.com/Jimparedes/status/1354286166552403972
Kowboy Santos reminded everyone Pacquiao could be the next president.
https://twitter.com/Kowboy2Legiiit/status/1354279884407758851
Netizens also reacted to this bill.
@piecesofliz tweeted on her Twitter account that this kind of bill passed by Senator Manny meant that he and other officials are only wasting taxpayer’s money.
A bill making right hand to palm the official greeting and now a bill changing MMFF to this. Wow. Groundbreaking bills. We really need to do better guys sa election! Sayang pasahod sa mga ganitong public officials! Walang itutulong sa buhay natin! https://t.co/DDm4akhfu5
— liz (@piecesofliz) January 27, 2021
@estongocampo posted a GIF as his criticism for Bill No. 2017.
https://twitter.com/estongocampo/status/1354275873323577345
@ToniSpeakEasy only admired Pacquiao’s accomplishment as an athlete but only in the sport that he is known for.
I am always in awe sa contribution niya sa bansa—- sa boksing ha, sa boksing..
— ToniSpeakeasy 🇵🇭 (@ToniSpeakEasy) January 27, 2021
@miriamspangan suggested that instead of focusing on MMFF, senators such as the boxer-turned-politician should give their time and attention towards the pandemic and the alarming increase of market prices.
Pwede ba mag focus sa pandemic at sa nagtataasang presyo ng mga bilihin.
— miriam pangan (@miriamspangan) January 27, 2021
Meanwhile, Vernon Go, President of PULP Live World, wrote that changing MMFF’s name could be understandable if they studied the event’s history first before concluding that its name needed a change.
Did they check the history of the MMFF? I understand is was started by the MMDA to raise funds. https://t.co/r0R8U2k2oF
— Vernon Go (@Vernon_Go) January 27, 2021
A netizen even looked down on the education of the senator who just graduated in Political Science in just three months.
https://twitter.com/BAndreiiiiii/status/1354308843044368390
In 1965, then Manila mayor Antonio Villegas launched the first Manila Film Festival which didn’t include any international film.
MMFF was then created in the 1975, with a purpose of promoting the local film industry. This annual event was organized by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and also became part of Filipinos’ Christmas tradition where they watch locally produced movies from December 25 onwards.