Regal Films’ Lily Monteverde aka Mother Lily expressed “confusion” over the criteria used by the executive committee of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) in choosing the festival’s best picture.

This is nothing new. In 2005, Monteverde threatened to boycott future MMFFs due to what she then termed as “irregularities.” She even encouraged other producers to follow her lead.

Although she eventually trashed her plan, this year, Monteverde assailed the judging committee for being seemingly “vague.”

According to Monteverde, the award-giving body is not clear on the criteria they use.

“I just want to say something about the criteria of the film fest. As they were saying, this is based in the box-office, 50%. But based on the record last year, 'Baler,' it's not a box-office [hit]. How come it won the best picture?”

Monteverde made her claim after her company’s entry, “Mano Po 6: A Mother’s Love,” was given the 4th best picture award during the recently concluded award rites.

"I just want to clear all these things na dapat next time or next year, just be clear kung ano ba ang criteria nila."

The film producer, however, clarified that she is happy for Revilla whose film, “Ang Panday” was awarded “Best Picture” and is currently leading in the box-office, earning over P50 M already.

"I'm happy for him. Anak ko din naman siya."

Monteverde went to expresss “satisfaction” that “Mano Po 6” took home a total of 7 awards, including best actress for lead star Sharon Cuneta.