Senators express sympathy over passing of Manay Ichu

Some senators expressed their sympathy over the passing of Philippine film industry pillar Maria Azucena "Manay Ichu" Vera-Perez Maceda on Monday.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III said Manay Ichu will now rest at the bosom of the Lord God.

"The Movie industry will never be the same. We owe her a lot. We love her deeply," he posted on Twitter.

Senator Grace Poe, former chairperson of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board, said the country lost a "pillar and vanguard of Philippine cinema."

"Manay Ichu will remain an inimitable beacon of generosity and greatness who touched many lives. We will hold tight to her memories and be forever grateful," she said in a statement.

Manay Ichu, who died at the age of 77, produced several Filipino films including "Batch '81" and "Dyesebel."

She was also among those behind several Philippine cinema organizations including Movie Workers Welfare Foundation (Mowelfund), The Metro Manila Film Festival, the Film Academy of the Philippines, and Film Development Council of the Philippines. — Dona Magsino/RSJ, GMA News