PMPC stands firm on Vice Ganda’s best actor win amid vote-buying claims

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC) denies allegations of vote-buying in Vice Ganda’s win as Movie Actor of the Year for “Girl Boy Bakla Tomboy” at the recently-concluded Star Awards for Movies.

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This is after movie columnist and radio personality Jobert Sucaldito claimed that a voting member of the PMPC, which holds the yearly Star Awards for Movies, lobbied and paid for Vice’s win.

Vice won against “On The Job” star Joel Torre, who Sucaldito claimed was the “rightful winner” of the award. He also bested “Boy Golden: Shoot to Kill” actor E.R. Ejercito, who Sucaldito admittedly lobbied for to win the best actor nod.

Sucaldito said Ejercito did not know he lobbied for him to win the acting award and that it’s not wrong for him to lobby for the win since he is not a PMPC voting member.

The PMPC, which is composed of movie and entertainment reporters, gives out the yearly Star Awards for Movies, as well as the Star Awards for Television and Star Awards for Music.

RELATED: Vice, KC lead winners of 2014 Star Awards for Movies

In a statement sent to Philstar.com and other media outfits, the PMPC said they are standing firm in their decision of naming Vice as the 2014 Star Awards for Movies best actor as they refute the voting-buying allegations.

Their complete statement reads: “The Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC) is saddened by the unfortunate turn of events at the recently-concluded 30th PMPC Star Awards for Movies.”

“Immediately after the awards ceremonies, a malicious allegation circulated in social media questioning the veracity of our Best Actor winner.”

“We strongly refute the said allegation.  The voting members gave their utmost trust and confidence to the winners in their respective categories, thereby making the results final, uncontestable, and sacred.”

“For the past three decades of Star Awards for Movies, the PMPC has weathered the hardest obstacles and has remained undaunted.”

“There will be forces that will try to destroy the credibility and reputation of the club, but the PMPC will remain committed to its objectives, and no amount of intimidation and coercion can shake its foundation.”

The PMPC, its Board of Directors and Members will always stand firm on their decision.