After the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Gabi ng Parangal on December 28, fans and netizens flooded social media with questions and confusion over the exclusion of some actors from the nominations.
Some also question why Zig Dulay, the director of GMA Pictures' Green Bones, did not win the Best Director award, despite the film being awarded Best Picture.
"YOU MAY AGREE OR DISAGREE WITH THEIR CHOICES... but the integrity of each and every member of the Jury since we took charge in 2016, especially on this 50th Edition of the MMFF cannot be assailed," MMFF Spokesperson Noel Ferrer said in a statement on Saturday.
Ferrer further explained that the entire jury "exhaustively" deliberated and decided on the nominees and winners throughout the entire day yesterday, assuring that there were no leaks or "cooking show" tactics involved.
"Rest assured, there was due process and the judgment was fair and sound AND FINAL!!!" he added.
The jury was led by award-winning author and film critic Nicanor Tiongson, with Film Development Council of the Philippines CEO Jose Javier Reyes serving as co-chair.
Yesterday's awards night showcased the brilliance of the artists from the ten films competing in the festival.
GMA Pictures' Green Bones dominated the night, bagging six major awards, including the highly esteemed Best Picture.
Kapuso star Dennis Trillo was awarded Best Actor in a Lead Role for his outstanding performance in Green Bones. Meanwhile, Judy Ann Santos took home the Best Actress in a Lead Role award for her compelling portrayal in the horror film Espantaho.
