Rep. Javi Benitez Pushes Global-Backed Film Reform as House Panel Advances Landmark Creative Industries Bill
March 16, 2026
The House Special Committee on Creative Industries, chaired by Negros Occidental Third District Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez, intensified efforts to advance reforms in the country’s film sector during its 5th Regular Meeting, drawing momentum from the recently concluded 2nd ASEAN-UK Creative Economy Symposium and engagements with the British Council, March 16. The meeting centered on the Committee’s ongoing deliberations on the proposed Local Film Industry Development Act, a consolidated measure aimed at restructuring the Philippine film industry. Rep. Benitez underscored the importance of international collaboration, highlighting the presence of the British Council delegation. The Philippines hosted the 2nd ASEAN-UK Creative Economy Symposium held last March 14 to 15, under its 2026 ASEAN Chairmanship. It convened government leaders, industry stakeholders, and creatives for policy dialogues, keynote sessions, and workshops focused on regional creative economy development, alongside business-to-business meetings and collaborative engagements between ASEAN and UK partners. Earlier in the day, British Council delegates paid a courtesy visit to the House, joining a meet-and-greet with Rep. Benitez and Speaker Faustino "Bojie" Dy III. The proposed measure seeks to overhaul the film industry through institutional reform by transforming the Film Development Council of the Philippines into a Philippine Film Commission. It introduces a tax incentive system, including a 20% base tax credit with additional performance-based incentives, and provides for the establishment of Creative Production Zones in coordination with PEZA. The measure also includes the creation of a Film Production One-Stop Shop to streamline permitting processes, a Film Endowment Board to support original content, and workforce development initiatives such as training programs, a national skills registry, and international placement opportunities. Discussions featured participation from government agencies, industry stakeholders, and creatives, including actress-producer Bela Padilla, who expressed support for the proposed Philippine Film Commission and reforms in the local film industry. Drawing from her experience working with international partners such as the Swiss Film Council, Padilla underscored the importance of fair compensation and stronger protections for Filipino filmmakers, emphasizing the need for more robust support systems for industry workers. Stakeholders also raised concerns about existing challenges in the sector, including multiple layers of taxation affecting film production and exhibition, workforce development gaps, and the potential impact of additional costs on cinema audiences. The Committee approved the continued refinement of the substitute bill during the legislative break and called for the submission of additional position papers from stakeholders. Rep. Benitez described the measure as a landmark reform that could shape the Philippine film industry for decades, reaffirming the Committee’s commitment to developing a more competitive creative sector. *
