What a shame.

This was the reaction of actor/director/producer Bela Padilla to Sen. Jinggoy Estrada's controversial "idea" to "ban K-dramas" since Filipinos patronize them too much at the expense of local productions.

On 21 October, Padilla posted a series of tweets in reaction to Estrada's remarks.

"Pinapanuod ng mga Pilipino ang K-drama kasi ginagastusan at mataas ang production values ng mga palabas nila (Koreans)," said one of her tweets.

Padilla, who's currently shooting a Filipino movie in South Korea, said she's inspired over how Koreans thrive in the entertainment industry with government support.

"I'm saddened, as a filmmaker in the Philippines, that we don't get the same support, funding, or help from our government. Even the production costs, working hours, and talent fees of writers, directors, and everybody involved in making a film is too far for us to even compare," she said.

"But to ban programs because they're doing better than us is such a petty move… Be happy for others and learn from their success. Kaya siguro tayo hindi masyadong umaasenso, pinupuna kasi natin ang mga taong masaya. Nakakahiya."

Padilla, whose recent acting credits include 100 Tula Para kay Stella (2017), Meet Me in St. Gallen (2018), The Day After Valentine's (2018,) and On Vodka Beers and Regret (2020), wrote the screenplay to Luck at First Sight (2017) and co-wrote 10,000 Hours (2013).

She debuted as a director in 366 (2022).