Abalos commits to talk to mayors about tax holiday for film producers

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 18) — Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos on Thursday vowed to speak with local government units on implementing a three-year amusement tax break for film producers.

In a press conference held with film producers, Abalos stressed the need to boost the local film industry as it recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.

He looks to talk to mayors in Metro Manila in two weeks and plans to meet with officials in other parts of the country.

The DILG chief added that his father, Mandaluyong Mayor Benjamin Abalos, already committed to implementing the proposed tax holiday.

Film producers at the press conference praised Abalos’s decision. They said the temporary waiving of the 10% amusement tax would contribute greatly to cutting down on expenses.

According to film producer Josabeth Alonso, it is possible for a movie that made ₱100 million at the box office to end up with losses due to taxes.

Other than cutting down on taxes for film production, Abalos said the government will look into the procurement of permits for shooting, especially as many foreigners are interested in filming in the country.

“Para mas mabilis at mas lalong gumanda ang film industry sa ating bansa [This is so the process becomes more efficient and the film industry in the country further improves],” he said.

Film Development Council of the Philippines Chairman Tirso Cruz III said they are encouraging more producers abroad to shoot their movies in the Philippines.

“Sabi nga namin, ‘You have 7,000 islands to choose from ‘pag nag-shoot ka rito sa Pilipinas. Ang daming mapupuntahan. Ang dami mong maaaring kunan na magagandang lugar,’” Cruz said.

[Translation: As we said, ‘You have 7,000 islands to choose from if you shoot here in the Philippines. There are so many places to go to. There are so many beautiful areas you can film.’]