John Lloyd Cruz is determined to find the resolution for the disqualification of his movie Honor Thy Father from the Best Picture category of the 2015 Metro Manila Film Festival.
Held at Batasang Pambansa Complex this Wednesday, January 13, the Kapamilya actor attended the second Congressional hearing on the alleged irregularities involving MMFF officials.
In his sworn statement, John Lloyd maintained why it is important for him to fight for fair play among all the parties involved in MMFF.
Part of what the Kapamilya actor said, "Sino pa ho bang magkukuwento ng kuwento natin kundi tayo-tayo rin?
"Opo, marami tayong hindi pagkakaunawaan.
"Pero sigurado po ako na gaya ko, nandito rin kayo dahil mahal niyo po ang pelikulang Pilipino.
"At kung meron ho akong natutunan sa dami-dami ng ginawa kong pelikula, mapa-romcom [romantic-comedy] po o indie, yun ay kapag mahal mo, ipaglalaban mo."
Last Monday afternoon, January 11, John Lloyd didn't make it to the first Congressional hearing since he was still in Japan.
But Honor Thy Father director Erik Matti and producer Dondon Monteverde were able to represent their camp together with some cast members and production staff.
They pointed out the alleged lack of due process in the disqualification of Honor Thy Father in the MMFF Best Picture category, a day before the MMFF Awards Night last December 27.
It was also during the first hearing that MMFF Board of Jurors member Atty. Carmela Musngi revealed that as early as December 21, they were already told not to include Honor Thy Father in the deliberations for Best Picture category.
Resource persons from Congress questioned the members of the MMFF Executive Committee why the disqualification notice to Honor Thy Father was only released on December 26.
READ: Congress probes alleged conflict of interest in MMFF
MMFF ExeCom member Marichu Maceda, for her part, said the 'recommendation' to exclude the movie was finalized on December 14.
But she denied insinuations that she dictated to the MMFF jurors with regard to the disqualification of the said MMFF entry.