The case for and against Probinsyano

Until next week when PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde meets with Coco Martin (as Cardo Dalisay, a good cop) and the producers of FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, the brouhaha over the ABS-CBN long-running (extended again until next year) action series might go on and on, dragging into the issue such other government agencies as DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government) and the MTRCB (Movies and Television Review and Classification Board). The meeting is set in a bid to end the week-long tiff over the alleged unfair portrayal of the police in the hit television series.

Without putting in any two-cents’ worth, Funfare reviews what has been said and by whom, and it’s up to you avid followers of Probinsyano to draw your own conclusion.

• The official statement of ABS-CBN dated Nov. 15, 2018:

FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano assures the Philippine National Police (PNP) that the characters, places and incidents in the program are purely fictitious as stated in the disclaimer aired at the start of the show every night. There is no intention to smear the reputation of any organization or portray any person in a negative light.

The program has also portrayed its main character, Cardo Dalisay, as a hardworking police officer dedicated to saving lives and serving his fellowmen. As in the past years, FPJAP has highlighted that good shall always triumph over evil and has shared valuable lessons and family values that have resonated with viewers.

• Philippine STAR, Nov. 19, 2018: PNP withdraws support for Probinsyano

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has withdrawn its support for Ang Probinsyano following its  negative portrayal of the PNP in the television series.

PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Bong Durana said (an internal) memorandum, signed by Director General Eduardo Garado, chief of the PNP Community Relations, was issued on Friday (Nov. 16) ordering all units, offices and personnel to refrain from assisting the producers of Ang Probinsyano until the two parties meet and forge a compromise…. Under the memorandum, PNP resources, including the use of venues, patrol cars, firearms, personnel and other gadgets can no longer be extended to the producers of the show. Durana defended the issuance of the memorandum, saying the PNP could not be complicit in helping out a show that “adversely affects or is not beneficial to public interest.”

• Official statement of MTRCB chief Rachel Arenas:

MTRCB is in continuous dialogue with both the PNP-PCRG and ABS-CBN. As a result, ABS-CBN has drafted a Memorandum of Understanding and has submitted it to the PNP for its comment.

MTRCB serves as a bridge between the constitutionally-protected freedom of expression and the inherent power of the state to protect the public from offensive content.

• Philippine STAR, Nov. 20, 2018: PNP chief to meet with ‘Cardo’ next week

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) will also meet with the show’s producers this week “to resolve the issues raised by the PNP.”

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said in a statement that while they do not wish to dictate the storyline or have the show cancelled, they take issue with the use of PNP uniforms and insignia in the show that paints an “inaccurate picture” of the police organization.

“If they wish to proceed with the show’s current plot, they are free to utilize a fictional law enforcement agency. That would be consistent with their claim that the show is completely a work of fiction, which unfortunately is not the case,” he added.

 • From lawyer (senatoriable) Romy Macalintal: DILG, PNP cannot censor Probinsyano

Lawyer (senatoriable) Romy Macalintal in a photo op with Probinsyano lead actor Coco Martin during a chance encounter in an occasion at the University of Perpetual Help System in Las Piñas City some three years ago

The reported plan of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to sue the producers of popular television series, Ang Probinsyano, “if it does not change its plot anytime soon,” is plain and simple censorship and an attack against freedom of expression.

While the assailed teleserye portrays a crooked President in cahoots with an equally crooked PNP chief, everybody knows and the producers of the show admit that it is just a “work of fiction” and appropriate “all persons fictitious” disclaimer to this effect has been shown in every episode of the show.

As public officials, the officers of the DILG and the PNP should not be too thin-skinned when their functions and duties are subjected to scrutiny by the public. In a case, the Supreme Court said that “Men in public life may suffer under a hostile and unjust accusation, but the wound may be relieved by the balm of a clear conscience.”

For sure, the public viewers never have in mind the real officers of the PNP when they watch the show. It is pure entertainment and a clear break from the hectic pace of a busy day, so to speak. The story and the dialogues of the thespians never present any clear and present danger that might arise as a result of the showing of any episode of this teleserye. And survey shows that Probinsyano continues to garner and enjoy the highest national TV rating as of date without posing any danger to any of its millions of viewers and fans.

We might be the laughing stock of the world if the government would censor or compel the producers of Probinsyano to change its plot or story in favor of the PNP officials knowing fully well that it is just a work of fiction. If it happens, what would prevent the President from asking the producers of Probinsyano to also change its plot which shows a corrupt and murderous president?

In the Netflix TV series House of Cards, Kevin Spacey portrays the life of a Democrat homosexual President who resorts to murder and violence to achieve his ambition. And yet we have never heard of any Democrat leader or official of the US government complaining about the plot and story involved in the House of Cards.

This should be the position of the DILG and the PNP on the Probinsyano issue. Let it go as it is and let the Filipino people enjoy a wholesome entertainment where the family members could learn the true value of heroism and dedication and integrity in public service.  

Martin & Zsa Zsa out of ASAP Natin ‘To?

Martin Nievera and Zsa Zsa Padilla: Are they the ‘casualties’ in Regine Velasquez’s entry into ASAP Natin ‘To?

Has the reformat of the ABS-CBN Sunday show ASAP Natin ‘To, triggered by the entry of new Kapamilya Regine Velasquez, resulted in the “sacking” of (especially) Zsa Zsa Padilla and Martin Nievera who were conspicuously absent in last Sunday’s telecast?

The public became “suspicious” when Zsa Zsa posted this on her Instagram account: I acted like it wasn’t a big deal, when really it was breaking my heart.

And here’s Martin in reply to a Funfare inquiry, texted from Rome:

I didn’t know that (Zsa Zsa) was out. Is she? Zsa Zsa is and will always be one of our dearest Kapamilya and an important part of ASAP. I think we just have new portions and alternate Sundays. From what I know, when I was on ASAP Sunday before last, I am still very much with them, but now you have me thinking. Let me ask to be sure.

I am just in Europe finishing up a tour. That is why I was not in the last episode where the new stuff was introduced. But really ASAP is not abut me or anyone you see regularly or every once in a while. ASAP is about YOU…the people who have blessed so many of us not only with careers but also with a life filled with meaning, purpose, joy and magic.

A show that is willing to listen and reinvent itself from time to time, for me, says a lot about how much this show loves the very people we call Kapamilya. That is ASAP yesterday, today and tomorrow. If you don’t see all of us together every Sunday only means that we could not all fit on that given day. But we are all still very much FAMILY, no matter what.

(E-mail reactions at [email protected]. For more updates, photos and videos, visit www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on Instagram @therealrickylo.)