THE House Special Committee on Creative Industries is pushing for an overhaul of the Philippine film sector after the panel discussed the proposed Local Film Industry Development Act during its recent fifth regular meeting. The bill is a consolidated measure that would restructure the Filipino film industry and enhance its international competitiveness. Under the bill, the Film Development Council of the Philippines will be converted into a “more robust” Philippine Film Commission to modernize governance within the film sector. Salient measures of the bill include the creation of a Tax Incentive System, which would give a 20-percent base tax credit for films; the establishment of dedicated hubs called “Creative Production Zones” in coordination with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), a streamlined system called the “Film Production One-Stop Shop to simplify and accelerate permitting processes; and the “Film Endowment Board,” which would support for the creation of original Filipino content. It would also improve workforce development for Filipino filmmakers by implementing specialized training programs, creating a centralized database to track and promote local talent through the National Skills Registry, and opening formal pathways for Filipino creatives to work globally. During the hearing, movie actress and producer Bela Padilla stressed the importance of creating a new film commission to help foreigners film in the Philippines in a way that not only would allow them to shoot efficiently, but also protect Filipino filmmakers. “There are so many creative Filipino talents. We have amazing actors, directors, writers, but right now we’re not seeing, I guess, what the government can do for us also,” Padilla said. According to committee chairman and Negros Occidental 3rd District Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez, the proposed bill would be a “landmark reform” that will define the industry for decades. “We are committed to developing a more competitive creative sector that can stand proud on the global stage,” Benitez added. The meeting followed the 2nd Asean-United Kingdom Creative Economy Symposium held from March 14 to 15, and part of the Philippines’ chairmanship of Asean 2026, bringing together regional leaders and UK partners to foster collaborative policy dialogue and business engagement. Benitez personally attended the symposium, which he said would “build bridges” between talent and policy. “Together, we are transforming creative hubs into engines of national identity and global competitiveness. Our creativity is not just art, but also a foundation of our economy and honor as Filipinos,” Benitez said.