Angara's Bill Promoting Film Tourism

Inquirer has reported today (April 9, 2014) that a bill that seeks to promote the country’s film tourism by providing tax incentives to production companies, both foreign and local, has been filed at the Senate. Senate Bill No. 2160 also known as the “Fostering Investment through Local and International Movies (FILM) Act” filed by Senator Juan Edgardo Angara “aims to attract filmmakers by providing incentives to film production companies primarily through tax credits ranging from 20 to 40 percent under a point-based incentive system.”

“Film tourism is a growing phenomenon wherein a destination is visited by tourists because it was featured in a movie, television or video. An interest in the nation and its positive image can eventually lead to an actual visit to the country,” Angara, vice chair of the Senate committee on tourism, said in a statement on Wednesday. “Thus, there is a need to promote the Philippines as a destination for filmmakers,” he said.
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This is actually great news, actually, any news wherein the government is making an effort to support the local film industry is a good one. But I wonder if this will include indie films, and/or films which tells stories of poverty and misery? I wonder if it's just going to be the usual glossy Tagalog mainstream pelikula wherein temporary popstar gloss is above artistic integrity?

I am confident that is not the case. We should be glad that competent organizations such as The Film Development Council of the Philippines will be tasked to expand its one-stop shop system dedicated to promote the film tourism program and serve filmmakers who intend to avail of the incentives under the bill.

But we all know that the masa audience will still more likely be having their sights on what the usual mainstream film companies have to offer. If only... If only there was a strict-er quality control to monitor the films that companies like Viva films, Regal films, M-Zet, Star Cinema, GMA films, and other mainstream companies, make...