Pangilinan: Follow South Korea's lead, give perks to PH film industry 

Former Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan said the government should provide subsidies to the movie industry to bring down prices of cinema tickets and encourage filmmakers to make more quality films, just like South Korea whose pop culture has earned global popularity.

Pangilinan responded when It’s Showtime host Vice Ganda asked about measures he plans to push to ensure more affordable movie tickets in case he wins his Senate bid in the May 2025 elections.

“The government could offer incentives to the movie industry, similar to the massive support South Korea provides to its entertainment sector. This has not only made K-Pop a global phenomenon but has also boosted their tourism,” Pangilinan said in an interview on Vice Ganda’s YouTube channel.

“We can replicate that formula here—help our cinema industry thrive, make movies more affordable, and turn Filipino films into a global attraction,” he added.

Vice Ganda, the star of several blockbuster movies, pointed out the rising costs of movie tickets, with a family of four spending up to ?2,000 to watch a film.

Pangilinan said that as it is, the movie industry is burdened by various taxes such as the 12% value-added tax on ticket sales, an amusement tax ranging from 10% to 30% depending on the locality, and a corporate income tax rate of 30% on film production companies.

These taxes, Pangilinan said, make the government intervention in terms of subsidies urgent.

“These taxes, while necessary for government revenue, add to the cost of doing business and, ultimately, the price of movie tickets. With the right support, the industry has the potential to grow even further, attracting not only local audiences but also international viewers, boosting tourism in the process,” Pangilinan said.

“Filipino films and music, much like the global success of K-Pop, can become an exportable cultural asset,” Pangilinan, who is married to actress Sharon Cuneta, added.

He cited the recent blockbuster success of “Hello, Love, Again” starring Kapuso actor Alden Richards and actress Kathryn Bernardo which earned at least P1.6 billion worldwide and remains a favorite watch on streaming service Netflix.

“Supporting the industry with incentives could reduce these financial pressures, making movies more affordable for families and more competitive in the global market,” he said.—Llanesca Panti/LDF, GMA Integrated News