DILG eyes lawsuit vs ‘Probinsyano’ producers

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is considering legal action against producers of “Ang Probinsyano” to “protect the image” of the Philippine National Police (PNP) following its negative portrayal in the hit television series.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año expressed dismay over the show’s supposed negative portrayal of the PNP and said they may have to resort to legal action if the storyline is not changed. 

“They are intentionally sending a wrong message to the public which is demoralizing the ranks of the PNP,” he said in a statement issued Friday night. 

Año stressed that the ABS-CBN show, while providing entertainment, should also stay true to their moral and ethical responsibilities. 

He warned of the legal repercussions but maintained that they are still open to consultations with the show’s producers. 

DILG spokesman Jonathan Malaya said they are mulling the filing of charges against the show if it continues with the “grossly unfair and inaccurate portrayal of our police force.”

Malaya cited supposed violations of the show against Article 179 of the Revised Penal Code, which prohibits the illegal use of uniforms or insignia. 

He said the DILG is also looking into possible violations of Republic Act 8370, the Children’s Television Act of 1997, as the show may have violated the National Council for Children’s Television standards for television programs that should be child-friendly. 

PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde already called out the unfair portrayal of his office in the show.

He clarified that he is not gunning for the cancellation of the show but asked its producers to have “a little respect” for the PNP.