Senator Jinggoy Estrada said he only raised the idea of banning foreign-made shows, such as Korean dramas, in the Philippines due to his frustration on the lack of support for local artists.
“Kaugnay sa aking pahayag kahapon sa mga foreign-made shows, my statement stems from the frustration that while we are only too eager and willing to celebrate South Korea’s entertainment industry, we have sadly allowed our own to deteriorate because of the lack of support from the moviegoing public,” Estrada said in a statement.
Estrada said during an interview with dzBB that he is not aiming to submit a bill that will ban foreign-made series and movies in the Philippines.
“Wala po akong balak i-ban. That was said out of frustration. Gusto ko talaga Filipino first,” the senator said.
Estrada, who was an actor, said he is not against the success of Korea’s entertainment industry but Filipinos should also support the local scene.
“I have nothing against South Korea’s successes in the entertainment field and admittedly, we have much to learn from them. Pero huwag naman nating kalimutan at balewalain ang trabaho, ang mga pinaghirapan at angking likha ng ating mga kapwa Pilipino,” he emphasized.
“I wish that the zealousness of our kababayans in patronizing foreign artists can be replicated to support our homegrown talents who I strongly believe are likewise world-class,” he added.
— Ronald Espartinez