Stop portraying us as crooks, says congressman

MANILA, Philippines - “Don’t portray us as villains or crooks, because we are not.”

Pampanga Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr. made this appeal yesterday to the local television and movie industry, saying it is not fair that members of the House of Representatives are depicted as bad elements of society.

Gonzales filed Resolution 2140, which urges “the local TV and movie industry to minimize, prevent, or stop typecasting congressmen and congresswomen as villains or crooks in the movies and telenovelas, which create stereotypes or negative public perception against members of the House of Representatives.”

“These portrayals are unfair and at the very least sully the good name of honorable lawmakers who work hard for the welfare of their constituents,” he said.

“These negative typecasting influences the general public, especially the young children, into forming a negative impression about members of the House of Representatives,” he explained.

He said it is ironic that despite the “good deeds” of many House members “they are often portrayed as villains in the movies and telenovelas.”

“There have been a few congressmen who may have been involved in crimes, but these are the exceptions rather than the rule,” he added.

Gonzales pointed out that House members are elected representatives of the people and deserve fairness.

“As the people’s representatives, a majority do their best to bring excellent public service to their constituents,” he stressed.

He conceded that the House could only appeal to the movie and TV industry but it could not force it to stop putting lawmakers in a bad light, “since this issue is covered by the constitutionally guaranteed freedom of speech and expression.”

However, he is confident that the movie and TV industry leaders would heed the collective appeal of the House, if it approves his resolution, “because of their sense of fairness.”