On February 21, actor-politician Isko Moreno stressed that there was no political reason for his acceptance of the role of Ninoy Aquino in Martyr or Murderer (MoM).
During the grand media conference of MoM, Moreno clarified that he accepted the role in the film as an artist and not as a political figure.
“Not at all–as in I have accepted it as an artist. And it’s a good challenge– it’s a humbling experience for me to portray Senator Ninoy Aquino. We know for a fact that the state recognizes Senator as a Hero–remember that.”
He also said that he wasn’t bitter regarding the results of the 2022 elections, despite getting sad about his loss.
“Para sa akin, wala naman akong masyadong kapaitan, don’t get me wrong, masakit ang matalo, don’t ever get me wrong. I’m just showing you na matibay ang loob– no, nalungkot din ako, it’s just sanay akong nadadapa sa dami ng bakokang ko sa tuhod, marka ng pagkakadapa sa buhay, eh pinipilit ko langing bumangon.”
He then voiced his slogan of moving past his failures.
“And I think it’s also a statement sa lahat ng nahihirapan sa buhay na ganon talaga, you fail, you go on, you fail again, you go on, you fail again, you succeed if you don’t stop doing things. So sa akin ganon, ‘yung pulitika is literally, and I swear to God, has nothing to do with it. The decision [was made] simply because as an artist.”
MoM stars Cristine Reyes, Cesar Montano, Ruffa Gutierrez, Ella Cruz, and Diego Loyzaga.
The film features artists reprising their roles, such as Kyle Velino, Elizabeth Oropesa, and Beverly Salviejo.
Moreno joins the newest cast members, including Marco Gumabao, Jerome Ponce, Franki Russel, Cindy Miranda, Rose Van Ginkel, Sachzna Laparan, Billy Jake, and Marlon Mance.
Under the direction of Darryl Yap, MoM opens in cinemas on March 1, with a scheduled international release in the following weeks.
