PH docu on West PH Sea ‘deserves to be seen’ – Jinggoy Estrada
Actor turned politician, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada, expressed disappointment over China’s alleged attempt to block the screening of a West Philippine Sea documentary at the New Zealand Film Festival. ( Noy Morcoso/INQUIRER.net)
MANILA, Philippines — Actor turned politician, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada, expressed disappointment over China’s alleged attempt to block the screening of a West Philippine Sea documentary at the New Zealand Film Festival.
In a statement on Friday, Estrada said the recognition of the Filipino documentary “Food Delivery: Fresh from the West Philippine Sea” at New Zealand’s prestigious Doc Edge Festival is “a resounding victory for truth, artistic freedom, and our people’s stories, especially in the face of foreign pressure.”
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“It’s deeply disappointing that Baby Ruth Villarama’s film, originally slated to premiere at a local festival earlier this year, was abruptly withdrawn due to vague “external factors.” Even more frustrating is that it took an international festival to give this film the platform it rightfully deserves—calling it a banned film that must be seen,” said Estrada.
The lawmaker said that while he is with other officials in condemning China’s attempt to suppress the film’s screening at Doc Edge, he is also appealing to the Philippine government to reflect on a deeper concern.
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“How much influence does China hold in our own backyard, that it can interfere with the constitutionally protected freedom of expression of our kababayans?” he said.
“This is not just a film—it is a courageous, heartfelt portrayal of the harsh realities faced by our fisherfolk, maritime workers, and scientists. It deserves to be seen, discussed, and honored, especially by Filipinos,” he added.
Estrada said it is alarming that even in the country, a foreign power can prevent the release of a documentary based on the truth./coa
