In response to concerns raised by the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) regarding the portrayal of the agency and its officials in the television series ‘FPJ’s Batang Quiapo,’ Coco Martin, the lead actor of the show, issued an apology during a meeting with BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr.
The meeting also included fellow actor Mark Lapid and ABS-CBN Chief Operating Officer Cory Vidanes.
Martin expressed his apologies and reassured BuCor that there was no intention to defame or harm the agency and its personnel. He emphasized the show’s commitment to maintaining a balanced portrayal.
BuCor Director General Catapang expressed his desire to see the television series convey the message that “good will triumph against evil.”
He hoped to witness the characters portraying villains in the series either face consequences for their actions or redeem themselves to demonstrate that crime doesn’t pay, and the law eventually catches up with wrongdoers.
The courtesy call with BuCor officials came after BuCor Deputy Director General Al Perreras sent a letter to the show’s producers and actors.
The letter stated that BuCor officials and employees had raised concerns about the series’ misleading depiction of the agency and requested that the show refrain from depicting scenes that tarnish the reputation of BuCor and its staff.
While the series uses a different agency name, the undeniable reference to the National Penitentiary, which BuCor represents, could influence viewers’ perceptions of the agency. BuCor was particularly concerned about the potential damage to its image, especially as Director General Catapang is working on a comprehensive reform of BuCor.
Although the show includes disclaimers in each episode, BuCor found that the close association between the show and BuCor could still harm the agency’s image. The meeting aimed to address these concerns and ensure a more balanced portrayal in future episodes.
