NEWSFLASH

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REVILLA WANTS P50-M FOR HISTORICAL MOVIES

Manila, Feb. 8, 1998 - Senator Ramon Revilla wants lawmakers to give P50 million from their pork barrel to finance 5 historical movie epics on people and events leading to the 1898 independence proclamation.

Revilla, who made his name as an actor playing true-life characters, had earlier allocated some of his own pork barrel for projects of the Film Development Foundation of the Philippines. His contribution financed the musical adaptation of Jose Rizal's Noli Me Tangere and a TV musical featuring "One Hundred Filipino Songs" commemorating the nation's 100 years of independence.

The senator from Cavite is disappointed over the non-passage of Senate Bill 2239 which seeks to create the Film Development Board. He described the "death" of one of his pet bills as a big setback for the movie industry.

Revilla explained that with the 10th Congress in its final days, the Film Development Bill will not be among the priority measures which will be tackled.

Revilla is seeking re-election under the ruling LAKAS-NUCD coalition.

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