MMFF Best Actor winner and Kapamilya comedian Vice Ganda shared his views on the growing debate over the “expensive” prices of cinema tickets, an issue that gained traction during the recent Metro Manila Film Festival.
Speaking at the 27th Inkblots Conference at the University of Santo Tomas on Tuesday, January 13, Vice said the high cost of movie tickets should be viewed in the context of the country’s broader economic situation.
“Actually hindi yung presyo ng ticket ang dapat tanungin natin, ang tanungin natin, bakit mababa ang kakayahan ng mga Pilipino bumili o gumasta,” Vice said.
He added that affordability depends largely on people’s financial capacity rather than ticket prices alone.
“Kasi kahit isang-libo (₱1,000) pa ang presyo ng isang ticket pag isang tao, kung may higit na kakayahan ang mga Pilipino na gumasta o may higit silang kakayahan sa pananalapi, hindi magiging kwestyon ‘yan.”
The remarks came after Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Romando Artes acknowledged that the turnout for the 2025 MMFF was lower compared to the 2023 and 2024 editions, with high ticket prices—especially in Metro Manila—cited as a contributing factor.
The MMDA also confirmed that it is studying the possibility of lowering cinema ticket prices for the 2026 MMFF to encourage more Filipinos to watch local films during the holiday season.