Three years after filing House Bill No. 6187 or the Philippine Independent Film Incentives Act, actor-turned-Quezon City 5th District Representative Alfred Vargas is glad it finally passed the first reading just a few days ago.
Alfred Vargas
The bill proposes granting special incentives to producers and directors of independent films who win awards and citations in international film competitions.
“I am very happy with these developments,” he told Bulletin Entertainment. "Pumasa na on committee level."
Vargas co-authored the bill with Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund “LRay” Villafuerte.
“Indie producer din kasi ako and I think panahon na para i-priorize natin ‘yung mga maliliit na pelikula na nagbibigay ng karangalan sa ating bansa,” he noted. “So sana itong bill na ito ay pumasa sa second, third reading… pumasa din sana sa senado.”
“In terms of budget, meron yan eh. Kaya we want na maipasa ‘to para ma-i-prioritize na… automatic kasama siya sa budget,” he added.
But how long it will take before it is fully approved, one reporter asked.
“Para sa akin, kahit gaano katagal,” Vargas said. “Basta ang mahalaga pumasa (‘yung batas) kahit matagal, kesa sa wala ‘di ba?”
Under the measure to be known as the "Philippine Independent Film Incentives Act of 2015," Philippine independent films that have been awarded the Best Film prize or its equivalent, including those that merited recognition for technical excellence in respected international film competitions of cinema festivals, shall be granted P5, 000,000 for the film production or entity that produces the award including full-length feature or documentary film.
A grant of P3, 000,000 shall be given to the film production or entity that produces the award-wining short feature or documentary film. Also, a full tax exemption relevant to the screening of the film and its commercial-exhibition, including those levied by local-government film shall be granted.
Furthermore, the award-winning film shall be considered and shall have the honor of being given an automatic rating of an "A" film granted by the Cinema Evaluation Board.
Vargas is gearing up for the release of his indie film “Men In Uniform,” hopefully this April.
“It’s an advocacy film about five police,” he said.
He is also busy touring the film “Ang Guro Kong Hindi Marunong Magbasa” in many provinces.
Smooth comeback
On a lighter note, the actor-public servant is seen on the supernatural-drama series “Kambal, Karibal.”
Vargas’s last full-length series on TV was back in 2014, which is why he is happy over this new opportunity.
On it, he is Allan Magpantay, Bianca Umali’s father. It is his first paternal role.
“My character is a lost soul eh. Nawalan siya ng asawa tapos ang thinking niya, nawalan din siya ng anak. So ang dami niya ding struggle,” he said.
Vargas’ character is torn between two women played by Jean Garcia and Carmina Villaroel.
“Torn between two lovers!” he quipped. “Swerte ako na dalawa pa leading ladies ko. Sobrang na-eenjoy ko kasi bago sa akin ‘yung role.”
“Mas marami akong eksena kay Jean, sobrang jologs kasi ‘yung character niya. Tapos kami naman daw ni Carmina, bagay kami onscreen, kape’t asukal daw kami!”
He is thankful for the good feedback the show has been receiving.
Asked what fans could expect from “Kambal, Karibal” in the coming weeks, the actor hinted: “Maraming sikreto ang mabubunyag. Ayoko naman maging spoiler pero ang masasabi ko lang basta pag-ibig na ‘yung pinaglalaban, lalong tumatapang.”
“Kambal, Karibal” airs weeknights on GMA Telebabad.