DILG, PNP cannot censor Probinsyano

DILG, PNP cannot censor Probinsyano

Author in a photo op with Probinsyano lead actor Coco Martin in a chance encounter in an occasion at the Our Lady of Perpetual Help University in Las Pinas City some three years ago.

By Atty. Romulo B. Macalintal

The reported plan of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to sue the producers of popular television series, Ang Probinsyano, “if it does not change its plot anytime soon,” is plain and simple censorship and an attack against freedom of expression.

While the assailed teleserye portrays a crooked President in cahoots with an equally crooked PNP chief, everybody knows and the producers of the show admits that it is just a “work of fiction” and appropriate “all persons fictitious” disclaimer to this effect has been shown in every episode of the show.

As public officials, the officers of the DILG and the PNP should not be too thin-skinned when their functions and duties are subjected to scrutiny by the public.  In a case, the Supreme Court said that “Men in public life may suffer under a hostile and unjust accusation, but the wound may be relieved by the balm of a clear conscience.”

For sure, the public viewers never had in mind the real officers of the PNP when they watch the show.  It was pure entertainment and a clear break from the hectic pace of a busy day, so to speak.  The story and the dialogues of the thespians never presented any clear and present danger that might arise as a result of the showing of any episode of this teleserye.  And survey shows that Probinsyano continues to garner and enjoy the highest national TV rating as of date without posing any danger to any of its millions of viewers and fans.

We might be the laughing stock of the world if the government would censor or compel the producers of Probinsyano to change its plot or story in favor of the PNP officials knowing fully well that it is just a work of fiction. If it happens, what would prevent the President from asking the producers of Probinsyano to also change its plot which shows a corrupt and murderous president?

In the ongoing Netflix TV series of The House of Cards, Kevin Spacey portrayed the life of a Democrat homosexual President who resorted to murder and violence to achieve his ambition.  And yet we never heard of any Democrat leader or official of the US government complaining about the plot and story involved in the House of Cards.

This should be the position of the DILG and the PNP on the Probinsyano issue.  Let it go as it is and let the Filipino people enjoy a wholesome entertainment where the family members could learn the true value of heroism and dedication and integrity in public service.