DILG plans to file legal action against teleserye “Ang Probinsyano”

ENTERTAINMENT

Ang Probinsyano/ABS-CBN

MANILA- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is looking into filing a legal action against the producers of ABS-CBN’s hit television series “Ang Probinsyano” for its “negative portrayal” of policemen.

Jonathan Malaya, DILG spokesperson said in a statement “We will seriously consider filing legal action and imposing sanctions.”

Possible charges would include the prohibition on the use of police uniforms, properties and even using the acronym of the organization (PNP), Malaya said.

He added that the agency would also look into other possible violations made by the show like the Children’s Television Act of 1997 “because the show may have violated the National Council for Children’s Television standards for television programs that should be child-friendly.”

This action of the DILG comes after the comments made by Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Oscar Albayalde over the negative portrayal of some policemen in the series which he called “very disturbing.” The PNP is under the DILG.

Meanwhile, DILG Secretary Eduardo Año said that the producers of “Ang Probinsyano” are “intentionally sending a wrong message to the public which is demoralizing the ranks of the PNP.”

Año also said that the DILG is open to discuss the matter with the producers of the show and that his office is open to consultations at a mutually agreeable time.

ABS-CBN on the other hand assured the PNP that the series is “purely fictitious as stated in the disclaimer aired at the start of the show every night.”

“There is no intention to smear the reputation of any organization or portray any person in a negative light. The program has also portrayed its main character, Cardo, as a hardworking police officer dedicated to saving lives and serving his fellowmen.” ABS-CBN said.