Chito Miranda vehemently disagrees with a proposed legislation that would slap equity fees on foreign acts to protect the welfare of local artists like himself. In a series of tweets on Sunday, the Parokya ni Edgar vocalist aired his opposition to The Original Pilipino Music Development Act of 2014 or House Bill 4218 filed recently by Ifugao Representative Teddy Baguilat Jr.
The OPM bill enjoys the full support of the Organisasyon ng mga Pilipinong Mang-aawit, the professional singers guild led by singer-actor Ogie Alcasid, which also carries the OPM acronym.
But ultimately, he said the onus falls on Filipino artists to produce compelling music to engage the local audience.
The next morning, Chito reconsidered the tone of his rant and acknowledged that the proponents of the OPM bill have good intentions for the music industry.
This prompted OPM president Ogie to reach out to him with this tweet.
Chito replied positively, citing the efforts of colleagues Vin Dancel, a lawyer as well as the frontman of the band Peryodiko, and singer-songwriter Noel Cabangon (who is also the OPM vice president for external affairs) to engage him in a dialogue. Chito began his rant with this tweet. He argued that it is not the fault of foreign acts if OPM artists do not enjoy enough patronage from the local audience.