Press Release - Jinggoy seeks Senate recognition for master lensman Romy Vitug

SENATOR Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada filed on Monday proposed Senate Resolution No. 908 expressing the Senate's sympathy and condolences to the bereaved family of the late Romeo "Romy" Vitug, a legendary lensman and celebrated cinematographer.

In his resolution, Estrada sought the Senate's recognition of Vitug's invaluable contribution to Philippine cinema.

"Vitug's unparalleled artistry and eye for detail, uncompromising commitment to excellence, and mastery of the craft make him one of the leading figures in Philippine cinema who immensely contributed to its enrichment and advancement. His passing is a great loss to the film industry and the Filipino nation," the senator said.

Aside from his impressive filmography, Vitug lent his stature to support advocacies which greatly contributed to the development of the local film industry, such as the "Sagip Pelikula" film restoration project and the anti-piracy information campaign of the Optical Media Board (OMB), Estrada said.

"Vitug's exceptional creativity and technical proficiency honed through many years of hard work, innovation and discipline were indispensable moviemaking skills in effectively telling the stories of the Filipino people," he said.

Vitug first worked as a photographer for news publications, a newsreel cameraman for a television network and a stillman who took pictures of films' highlights for promotional materials, before venturing into cinematography where he built a solid reputation and became the most sought-after lensman for his expertise in lighting, framing and compositions.

Throughout his stellar career, Estrada noted the numerous accolades and distinctions received by Vitug which catapulted him into becoming one of the most celebrated in his field.

He was honored with a Cinemanila International Filmfest lifetime achievement award in 2000, Natatanging Gawad Urian in 2016, and Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Hall of Fame award in 2019.

Vitug also produced some of the most memorable and epic scenes in films directed by esteemed directors such as National Artists for Film Lino Brocka and Marilou Diaz-Abaya, Celso Ad Castillo, Carlitos Siguion-Reyna, Laurice Guillen, and Olivia M. Lamasan.

Vitu