Sagada mayor James Pooten is stopping actor Piolo Pascual and director Joyce Bernal from filming a movie in the town, reports are saying.
The mayor gave the order on Tuesday, July 7, 2020.
The moment Pascual’s team arrived at the Sagada sight, the Sagada mayor asked Pascual and Bernal to leave the town despite having travel authority and permits from Malacañang.
The mayor said he is ordering the departure of the two (2) persons for the sake of the health of the people of Sagada.
“We hope to keep Sagada, Covid-free, hindi nakukuha sa palakasan ito, health kasi ng mga tao ang kailangan (na pangalagaan), Pooton said. The mayor emphasized that the health and safety of the Sagada people should be prioritized and added that no permit can overturn his decision to safeguard the local population from the possible virus transmission that may lead to Covid, and this is only possible if the town is closed to tourists.