Philippine National Police Chief Oscar Albayalde’s complaint against the portrayal of the police force in ABS-CBN’s long-running “Ang Probinsyano” was questioned by many due to the show being a work of fiction.
It’s pure fiction as stated in the show’s disclaimer, the Kapamilya network explained to Albayalde. The disclaimer is aired before an episode starts.
ABS-CBN assured the official that the management has no intention of putting any organization in a bad light.
“There is no intention to smear the reputation of any organization or portray any person in a negative light,” the statement said.
It further clarified that the main character, Cardo, is a hardworking police officer himself who saves lives.
“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,” it added.
Many people, however, found it ironic for Albayalde to criticize the show when the program’s narrative only reflects how real-life cops act.
Others referenced the recent criticisms on the police’s deferring of the arrest of the late strongman’s wife Imelda Marcos after being indicted of graft by Sandiganbayan.
The report of an alleged rape of a rookie policewoman by a senior officer was also tagged in the conversations of it on social media.
In the current story arc of “Ang Probinsyano,” the fictional character of PNP chief Alejandro Terante, played by Soliman Cruz, is conniving with President Lucas Cabrera in illegal activities.
Cabrera is played by veteran actor Edu Manzano.
“Bato-bato sa langit, tamaan ay wag magalit”
The police chief leader earlier expressed his concern that the episodes in the show, starred by actor Coco Martin, may have painted a negative image of the real-life cops.
“It’s very disturbing and people see it as if instant justice is acceptable. It’s not. We are a nation of laws, not of men. That is what we want to show, that is why we are giving our comments,” Albayalde said to reporters.
Senator Panfilo Lacson agreed with him and reminded the public that PNP has a good record of achievements.
“Let’s face it. Marami rin namang mabubuting nagawa ang PNP, especially the leadership, especially now. I think it’s unfair to portray the PNP na parang ganoon,” Lacson said.
Lacson also said that he will probe into the cast’s possible violations for wearing police uniforms.
Senator Grace Poe, however, countered that the story of “Ang Probinsyano” came from the “creative minds” of its production team.
Poe is the daughter of Ferdinand Poe, Jr., the protagonist in the original film.
There are also good cops in the program’s roster of characters, Poe said and she named Cardo and his allies.
She also explained the people’s perception of the police officers is not solely based on their representation in the show.
“How the people view the police is based on the actions of the real police they see on the streets and not on the acting of fictional cops they watch on screen,” Poe said.
“Pwede natin sabihin na ‘bato-bato sa langit, tamaan ay ‘wag magalit,” she quipped.
Albayalde announced that he plans to personally write to the Movie Television Review and Classification Board and the producer of the series to discuss this matter.
“We had a previous letter to MTRCB already last September. Now we will be writing both the production outfit and the MTRCB,” Albayalde said.—Artwork by Uela Altar-Badayos