Senator Jinggoy Estrada got a roasting from netizens after he suggested banning Korean telenovelas or dramas in the Philippines.
Estrada made his comments during the budget hearing of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) on Oct. 18.
“Ang aking obserbasyon pag patuloy tayo na nagpapalabas ng Korean telenovela, ang hinahangaan ng ating mga kababayan ay itong mga Koreano at nawawalan ng trabaho at kita yung ating mga artistang Pilipino (My observation is that when we continue showing Korean telenovelas, what Filipinos idolize are these Koreans and our Filipino artists lose jobs and income), he said.
He added, “Kaya minsan pumapasok sa aking isipan na i-ban na itong mga telenovela ng mga foreigners at dapat ang mga artista nating Pilipino talagang may angking galing sa pag-arte ay 'yun naman dapat ang ipalabas natin sa sariling bansa (So sometimes it enters my mind to ban these telenovelas of foreigners and that our Filipino artists who have talent in acting should be the ones to be shown in our country).”
After he made the comments, the topic “Jinggoy” trended on Twitter as netizens commented on what he said.
Here are some of the comments by netizens on Twitter:
- “As a senator and actor, wouldn't it be nice for Jinggoy to read on how the Korean government supports their entertainment industry? Having active government institutions to promote their culture through music, arts, film, and etc., rather than this absurd solution you have.”
- “We can promote QUALITY FILMS/TELENOVELAS without banning other countries brilliant masterpieces, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada. Kdrama is a form of art that everyone could appreciate. It would be much better if our government could support the film industry and actor to make a difference.”
- “Jinggoy-sunbaenim's statement re: Kdrama banning is such a classic Filipino boomer mindset- removing the competition instead of improving your own product. Here's a tip: improve the quality of Filo films and shows, hindi yung puro trashy, repetitive topics like kabit na lang lagi.”
- “Don't kill the competition Sen. Jinggoy. Compete with the K-Drama.”
- “Sen. Jinggoy you should ask yourself first, Why do Filipinos prefer foreign films and series over local films? But, the simplest answer is that, they provide better content, which are way more creative and impactful.”
- “How funny that this senator named Jinggoy wants to ban KDrama in the Philippines, well in fact that some of the Philippine Directors has been producing some recycled dramas / plots over and over again HAHAHAHA. How we can support them if they are recycling the plot.”
- “Banning is not the solution sir SENATOR Jinggoy but to encourage the filmmakers and artist to innovate, level up the movie industry they do ,instead of puro MISTRESS /Killing na pinapalabas, yung deepness ng story is also important ! pwedeng SPORTS ENTHUSIASM, or any career film”
Sen. Estrada issued a statement on Oct. 19 regarding his comments during the budget hearing.
“Kaugnay sa aking pahayag kahapon sa mga foreign-made shows, 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,” he said.
He added, “I wish that the zealousness of our kababayans 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. Pero huwag naman nating kalimutan at balewalain ang trabaho, ang mga pinaghirapan at angking likha ng ating mga kapwa Pilipino (But we should not forget and ignore the work and creation of our fellow Filipinos),” the senator said.
According to Estrada, “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.”