Filipino Netizens Criticize Senator For Considering K-Drama Ban
Filipinos were shocked when senator Jinggoy Estrada said he had thought about banning K-Dramas in the Philippines. His exact statement said:
“Kaya minsan, pumapasok sa aking isipan na i-ban itong mga telenovela ng mga foreigner at dapat ang mga artista nating Pilipino, na talagang may angking galing sa pag-arte ay ‘yun naman dapat ang ipalabas natin sa sariling bansa natin.”
Which in English translates to:
“So sometimes, the thought crosses my mind to ban foreign telenovelas, so that our Filipino artists who are talented and should be recognized will be appreciated in our own country.”
There was immediate backlash from netizens on Twitter. Many criticized Estrada for not supporting Filipino films and series enough through funding.
NO.
You know what’s a better solution?
Setting aside some money for the arts in the country so producers and artists don’t always shoulder all the burden. Treat it like a big deal. Instill appreciating Filipino works in schools.You know who does that? South Korea.
— Reb Atadero (@rebranger) October 19, 2022
I think the best course of action is to give us support? If local artists are more developed we can be as huge as Korea!
Why not have after school programs for helping young artists? Gov’t subsidized venues for performance?
We can’t get good by just forcing people to watch us.
— UNFILIPINO (@comedybyred) October 19, 2022
Estrada later clarified his statement on Facebook, saying:
“…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. I wish that the zealousness of our kababayans (countrymen) in patronizing foreign artists can be replicated to support our homegrown talents who I strongly believe are likewise world-class. I have nothing against South Korea’s successes in the entertainment field and admittedly, we have much to learn from them…South Korea’s phenomenal success is rooted in their love of country. It is high time that we follow their example and do the same for our own entertainment industry that is at best, barely surviving.”
Most netizens continued to insist that the senator should focus on supporting Filipino artists.
I remember it was a Korean that told me that the secret to Korean economic success was that it did not ban the entry of the foreign companies. We're too tight and too protective that's why we never grow. Help the industry compete instead of removing competition.
— Carlo M. (@Ragdefender2) October 18, 2022
As of the writing of this article, no other statements about this issue have been made.
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