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Wazzup Pilipinas!?
In a privilege speech delivered with conviction and urgency, Senator Jinggoy Estrada addressed a pressing issue that has stirred controversy in the Filipino entertainment industry—the proliferation of explicit and pornographic content on streaming platforms. His speech, titled "Laban sa Malaswang Nilalaman: Proteksyon Para sa Kabataan," called for accountability and moral responsibility, challenging streaming giants like VMX (formerly Vivamax) to uphold Filipino values over profit.
A Cry for Moral Revival
The senator began by lamenting the state of the Philippine film industry, an art form he has consistently championed. Once celebrated for its creativity and cultural richness, Estrada argued that the industry has been overshadowed by an influx of exploitative films prioritizing vulgarity over artistry.
"Are we normalizing porn on streaming platforms now? Ang mga ganitong klaseng pelikula ba ang magsasalba sa industriya?" Estrada questioned, calling attention to how explicit content is eroding the moral fabric of society.
For Estrada, this is not simply a fight against obscene content but a battle for the preservation of family values, human dignity, and cultural identity—qualities that define the Filipino nation.
The VMX Controversy
Estrada placed VMX at the center of his critique. With over 12 million subscribers worldwide as of December 2024, the platform has become a dominant player in Filipino streaming services. While VMX offers a mix of genres, Estrada noted that its library is overwhelmingly populated with "sexy content," easily accessible for as little as PHP 169 a month.
What makes this alarming is that despite the platform’s subscription model and child-lock features, many young Filipinos are still exposed to explicit material. Estrada emphasized that Article 201 of the Revised Penal Code explicitly prohibits the distribution of obscene and immoral content. Violations can result in fines, imprisonment, and the revocation of business permits, yet platforms like VMX continue to operate with impunity.
A Broken Promise of Regulation
In January 2023, VMX entered into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), pledging to self-regulate and align its content with Filipino cultural values. However, Estrada revealed that this promise has not been kept.
MTRCB's monitoring efforts found that VMX's content remains heavily skewed toward pornographic material, with many films resembling those found on adult websites. "Malinaw ang batas," Estrada declared, emphasizing that the streaming platform is clearly violating its agreement and undermining public morality.
Exploitation Within the Industry
Estrada also exposed an unsettling practice within the industry: the exploitation of actors. Reports suggest that actors in explicit VMX films are paid as little as PHP 15,000 per day of shooting, often completing full-length movies in just two days. Estrada criticized this as not only exploitative but also a reflection of how the industry prioritizes profit over the well-being of its talents.
"Kapalit ng pagbilad ng kanilang katawan sa harap ng kamera ay ang halagang labinlimang libong piso lamang," Estrada shared. For him, such practices diminish the dignity of Filipino actors and reduce the art of filmmaking to a mere transaction.
Balancing Freedom and Responsibility
Estrada clarified that his stand is not about stifling artistic freedom but about protecting society, particularly the youth, from harmful influences. "This is not about censorship but about protecting our youth and society from the harmful effects of such content," he stressed.
Estrada called for stricter regulations and heightened accountability from streaming platforms. He also urged content creators to recognize their influence in shaping societal values, encouraging them to produce works that inspire and uplift rather than exploit.
Industry Pushback
The speech has sparked a polarizing debate. Actor and VMX host Janno Gibbs defended the platform, arguing that it is a private service accessible only to paying subscribers. Gibbs noted that VMX implements child-lock features and requires payment cards, making it less accessible to minors.
"VMX is not a public viewing venue. Magbabayad ka. Naka-child lock eh," Gibbs stated during a press conference for his upcoming gag show "Wow Mani." He also acknowledged Estrada’s right to express his opinion but maintained that VMX operates within legal boundaries.
A Cultural Crossroads
The controversy surrounding VMX is a microcosm of a larger societal dilemma: how to reconcile creative freedom with moral accountability in the digital age. Estrada’s speech is a wake-up call, not just for VMX but for the entire entertainment industry.
"The normalization of such content erodes the fundamental principles of respect, decency, and empathy," Estrada warned, highlighting the broader implications of explicit media on individual and societal well-being.
A Call to Action
Estrada concluded his speech with a passionate appeal to all stakeholders—lawmakers, creators, and consumers alike—to work toward reviving the Philippine film industry in a way that aligns with the nation’s values.
"Naniniwala ako sa galing at talento ng ating mga alagad ng sining sa pinilakang tabing," he said. "Ngunit hindi ito ang paraan para buhayin ang industriya."
Estrada’s call is clear: the Filipino film industry must strive for a higher standard of creativity and ethics, one that uplifts and unites rather than divides and degrades.
As the debate continues, the question remains: will the industry rise to the challenge of protecting Filipino values while fostering artistic innovation? Or will profit-driven content continue to erode the moral foundations of the nation? Only time—and collective action—will tell.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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