MMDA PR
Metro Manila Film Festival legal head Atty. Vic Trinidad debunked accusations of FAP director and actress Vivian Velez saying that her claim are based on unsubstantiated case filed by FAP against the Metro Manila Development Authority on alleged non payment of their share from the annual filmfest.
Atty. Trinidad said that the case which was filed in 2014 in the Regional Trial Court of Quezon City was Archived for Failure of FAP to prosecute the case.
“Contrary to the claim of Ms. Velez, the issue was never raised or discussed with the management of MMFF,” according to Trinidad.
The MMFF head for legal and rules added that what Velez constantly followed up was the release of FAP’s share in the income.
“Instead of going to the press to pursue her claim she should have initiated the revival of FAP’s case so that she can prove her allegations in the proper forum.” said Atty. Trinidad.
Under Chairman Lim’s administration, 100% of the Collected Amusement Taxes were released to the Beneficiaries and no government funds was used in the operation of MMFF.
“For the last three years under this administration all issues hounding MMFF every year were addressed. Thus, it is disheartening to hear malicious imputations from a beneficiary whose only participation in the MMFF is to receive money which the management of MMFF including the Executive Committee worked hard for” Trinidad concluded.
MMFF 2020 will be streamed online through upstream.ph and will start on December 25.
