The much-talked-about ‘Presidential Debate’ on the six-year-old primetime drama, has made several allusions to the current election season and political climate in the country.
FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano has been hitting the nail on the head with the way it mirrors the current election season in the country. With the campaign season going full swing, the still widely-followed action drama has shifted its narrative to an election arc, with Renato Hipolito (John Arcilla) and First Lady Lily Ann Hidalgo (Lorna Tolentino) playing as the main contenders in the show’s upcoming presidential election.
The term of the incumbent Philippine President Oscar Hidalgo (Rowell Santiago) is about to end, and the two nefarious villains are vying to snatch the presidency.
Titled Tapatan Para sa Bayan 2022, FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano’s presidential debate interestingly happened when presidential debates for the May 2022 national polls, are being organized by numerous TV networks and news organizations in the country. The particular episode, titled #FPJAP6Bangayan coincidentally aired during SMNI’s Presidential Debate.
Among the most heated topic the two vying presidentiables debated about is terrorism. The topic allowed both candidates to bring up Cardo Dalisay’s case. “Pananagutin ko silang lahat sa batas. Unang una na si Cardo Dalisay, sisiguraduhin kong mananagot sila sa batas at sa bayan (I will make them pay. I’ll begin with Cardo Dalisay. I will make sure that justice will be served)” Hipolito said when he was asked about the plans his government will carry out to apprehend law breakers and terrorists.
It was Madam Lily’s answer, however, that rang a bell, as it hinted at President Duterte’s promise of eradicating drugs in the country when he was running for Presidency in 2016. “Bigyan nyo ako ng anim na buwan, mapapasuko ko sina Cardo Dalisay at ang Task force Agila. Magreresign ako kapag hindi ‘yan natupad (Give me six months and I will put Dalisay and the rest of Task Force Agila behind bars. I will resign from Presidency if I fail to do it)” she vowed.
The entire episode has been filled with numerous references to national issues. Many of the characters themselves, mirrored how the common Filipino voter must be reacting to the chaotic election season in the country.
This allusion and many upcoming socio-relevant story arcs may most likely keep audiences being glued to FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano.
