MMDA welcomes probe on film’s disqualification

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) yesterday welcomed the planned congressional inquiry into the disqualification of the film Honor Thy Father from being nominated in the Best Picture Category for this year’s film festival.

The MMDA is the organizer of the annual Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).

Laguna Rep. Dan Fernandez on Monday filed a resolution asking the House committee on Metro Manila development, chaired by Quezon City Rep. Winston Castelo, to conduct an investigation into the disqualification of the film by the MMFF executive committee.

“That is their right,” MMDA Chairman Emerson Carlos, who chairs the MMFF, said in a text message to The STAR.

Directed by Erik Matti and co-produced by actor John Lloyd Cruz, Honor Thy Father was not included in the lineup of official entries released by the MMFF.

On Oct. 23, the MMFF executive committee offered to Ronald Stephen Monteverde, producer of the film, the slot that became available after an official festival entry pulled out of the race.

Honor Thy Father was among the official entries when the MMFF opened on Dec. 25. But the film has been disqualified from the Best Picture category of the MMFF 2015 Awards based on questionable grounds due to non-disclosure of the film’s showing at Cinema One.