- MTRCB chief talked about FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano’s issue with the PNP.
- MTRCB explained that they approved the show, knowing the fact that the PNP will be represented, as long as there is a balancing factor and a lesson.
- FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano production, MTRCB, PNP, and DILG are set to meet soon to discuss the matter.
The long-running Kapamilya series FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano has recently been questioned by the Philippine National Police due to its wrong portrayal of the police in the Philippines.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Oscar Albayalde perceived that the show shouldn’t continue in giving false impressions on his men.
He also ordered that the PNP will no longer allow the production to borrow equipment, uniform, firearms, and other props, or even provide road assistance or security.
In a domino effect, the same lack of responsibility also reflected in the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB).
In an interview with DZMM, MTRCB Chief Rachel Arenas defended their stance on the said issue.
She explained, “Wala po sa poder namin ‘yan. Sunod-sunod naman po ‘yung ano namin, since 2016 pa ang dialogue namin with them.”
“Nasabi rin naman po namin, kasi kaming MTRCB, hindi kami nagse-censor.
“We cannot also prohibit negative depictions kasi we are sort of a bridge doon sa constitutionally protected freedom of expression, and also the right of the state to regulate.”
Having said that, why did MTRCB still allowed Coco Martin’s show to keep rolling?
“Kailangang may redeeming factor o magandang value na napupulot ang mga manonood.
“Doon sa mga nakikita namin na past episodes, mayroon naman ding natututunan ang mga bata, na the good always prevails.”
“Actually, nagkaroon kami ng conference na nandoon ang ‘Ang Probinsyano’ at ang PNP.
“In fact, ang suggestion, ang napag-usapan, ‘bakit hindi kayo kumuha ng adviser o consultant from PNP para alam pati ang uniform na isusuot, kung ano ba ang tama?’
“’Tama ba ‘yung star na nasa uniform?’ Kasi that’s one of their concerns also.
“In fact, because of those dialogues, it resulted in a memorandum of understanding. That was already sent to the PNP for their comments and approval.
“Actually, kapag may nare-receive kami kunwari na mga reklamo o mga observation nila ay agad kaming nagse-set ng dialogue with either ABS-CBN or PNP.
“And the last was on October 17.”
Arenas added that MTRCB, FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano production, the PNP, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) are set to meet soon to discuss the matter at hand.
For now, the show will continue to air with its previously approved plot until the concerned parties are able to come up with a memorandum of understanding.
