Bong Go takes oath as MMFF ExeCom member

MANILA, Philippines — Neophyte senator Christopher “Bong” Go took his oath on Thursday as member of the Metro Manila Film Festival’s (MMFF) executive committee.

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go sworn in as member of MMFF’s executive committee by Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chair Danilo Lim. Photo courtesy of Senator Go’s office

“Isang malaking karangalan para sa akin ang maging kasapi ng ExeCom ng MMFF. At nakikiisa ako sa hangarin nating lahat na mas palakasin at paunlarin natin ang industriyang patuloy na nagbibigay ng trabaho at kaginhawaan sa marami nating mga kababayan,” Go said in a statement.

Go also vowed to push measures in the Senate that would protect film industry workers.

“Marami po akong kaibigan na artista at marami po silang hinaing na gustong iparating sa akin. Sabi nila, kapag maging senador ako, tulungan ko sila makapagpasa ng mga batas na makatutulong sa protesksyon ng mga manggagawa ng Pelikulang Pilipino,” Go said.

Go on Wednesday attended the MMFF’s press briefing where four selected entries for this year’s festival were announced.

READ: First 4 official entries to MMFF 2019 bared

To bolster growth in Philippine cinema, Go suggested to stage the film festival twice a year starting 2020.

READ: ‘Big PH cinema fan’ Go eyes twice a year staging of MMFF

“Nakikita ko kasi na nagkakaisa ang mga Pilipino tuwing week-long na iyan. Talagang nagpupuntahan sila sa mga malls, sa cinema. Talagang tinatangkilik nila ang pelikulang Pilipino kaya naman iniisip ko kung paano tayo makatutulong sa mga workers natin lalo na sa mga mabababa na gumagawa ng pelikula,” Go said.

He also assured that President Rodrigo Duterte will support the Filipino film industry: “Asahan niyo po ako hindi lang bilang legislator, pati na rin bilang tulay kay Pangulong Duterte. Pinagbilin po niya na tulungan namin ang Pelikulang Pilipino.”

Last year, Go was among the judges in MMFF and was present at the Theatre in Solaire to award the winners. /muf