Film Development Council of the Philippines chairman Jose Javier Reyes. MJ Felipe, ABS-CBN News
MANILA — Film Development Council of the Philippines chairman Jose Javier Reyes on Wednesday vehemently denied rumors that he has resigned.
In a speech during the closing ceremonies of the Philippine Film Industry Month, Reyes declared: "Surprise! Hindi ako resigned, contrary to popular rumors who sent me trending this afternoon.
"I'm very much alive and still part of the FDCP," he added.
A report circulated online that Reyes resigned upon losing his business class privilege for a working trip to Spain. He told reporters that the rumors are "60% false [and] 40% true."
"What is true? Was I hurt, was I insulted? Yes, I was hurt, I was insulted. I do understand decisions made by the agency larger than me. I do understand and I respect that," said Reyes. "Maybe what I question is the procedure. I should have been given more time, or we (agency) should have been given more time to have been given that memo. Not four days before I leave, because there are appointments that I already made in Spain."
According to Reyes, he was heading to Spain to sign a memorandum of agreement for the two countries to work together in a co-production.
"So it's not like I’m going there to watch movies. I am going there to do official government business," he pointed out.
"Ang akin lang naman there is a privilege for people in my station in the government which is undersecretary, who is a senior citizen, who will travel more than four hours to have a business class ticket," he added.
According to Reyes, this arrangement was approved by the Department of Trade and Industry and the Office of the President.
"So everything was set, and then four days before the trip you pulled the rug under my feet," said Reyes, who claimed that the DTI was responsible for the change due to a "cost-cutting thing."
Reyes also revealed that this year, he opted not to go to different film festivals in Cannes, Toronto and Paris due to high airfare.
"But this one, I have to go because I have to sign," he said.
In the end, Reyes wound up not going and sent a representative instead.