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Ang Probinsyano

2015–22 Philippine television drama series From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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This article is about the 2015 television series. For the 1996 film on which the TV series is based, see Ang Probinsyano (film). For other uses, see Ang Probinsyano (disambiguation).

FPJ's Ang Probinsyano (international title: Brothers; lit. '"FPJ's The Provincial Man"') is a Philippine television drama action series broadcast by ABS-CBN and Kapamilya Channel. The series is based on the 1996 Philippine film of the same title. Directed by Malu L. Sevilla, Avel E. Sunpongco and Toto Natividad, it stars Coco Martin in the title role. It aired on the network's Primetime Bida line up and worldwide on TFC from September 28, 2015 to August 12, 2022. It is the longest running drama series of ABS-CBN.

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Series overview

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Main article: List of Ang Probinsyano episodes
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Ang Probinsyano has five narrative arcs or "books" over 9 seasons.

The Syndicate Arc ran from 2015 through 2017 spanning the first and second seasons. It focused on the cases Cardo encountered as a member of the CIDG.

The Rebellion and Terrorism Arc[5] contains the third and fourth seasons of the series and focused on Cardo's encounters with the "Pulang Araw" (transl. Red Sun) as a member of the Special Action Force and undercover under the nom de guerre "Agila" (transl. Eagle), and later as part of the vigilante and far-left guerilla group "Vendetta".

The Political Arc[6] covers the series' fifth and sixth seasons and focuses on the larger political drama in the Philippines.

The Crime and Corruption Arc,[7] opened the series' seventh season and chronicles Cardo's return to the police force and his continued efforts to fight crime and corruption. This is followed by the show's eighth season, which sees Lily moving to consolidate her power as first lady and leader of an international drug cartel.[8]

The International Arc follows Task Force Agila traveling north in search of a new hiding place after killing drug lord Enrique Vera, after avenging the murder of Audrey, sister of P/Cpt. Lia Mante, and daughter of Fernando Mante, in the ninth season. The Mante family leaves the country for their safety. Arriving in the north, they rent a place to stay while their enemies search for them. After a struggle in fighting and separation, the members of Task Force Agila reencounter each other, including Oscar Hidalgo, Aurora, Ambo, and Elizabeth. With the help of Senate President Camilo Edades, who is appointed "acting President" by Lily (after she detonates the fake Oscar Hidalgo named Mariano), Oscar and Camilo help each other to expose Lily and Renato's true identity and their crimes and corruptions. Many Filipinos gather for a mass protest outside the Palace against Lily, Arturo, and Renato. The Armed Forces of the Philippines, Presidential Security Group, and the Philippine National Police storm the Palace to set up a blockade to prevent Lily from escaping.

However, she manages to escape alongside the corrupt PSG and Black Ops members who remain loyal to her and travels to a safe manor, serving as a last resort from their enemies. She is later overthrown and executed by Task Force Agila. Their final enemy, Renato Hipolito who repeated Lily's wickedness is hiding in the jungle and must either be captured or killed. They are ambushed and captured by Hipolito and warlord Lucio Santanar. Many Task Force Agila members are brutally tortured and killed, and Cardo is recaptured. Renato is about to kill Cardo; however, Oscar appears and, avenging Task Force Agila, finishes off Hipolito and his men, ending his wickedness. With the deaths of Renato, Arturo, Lily, and their subordinates, the reign of violence, greed, corruption, injustice, and anarchy ended. After an hour of battle, they declare the operation a Pyrrhic victory.

Many of their comrades died; however, their sacrifices emancipate the country. Cardo gets promoted to Police Major by Oscar for his bravery. After reuniting with his family and mourning the death of his grandmother, he decides to stay with them in Botolan. Oscar marries his first love, Aurora. Unknown to the two of them, while Cardo was off to work, he suddenly spots their daughter Mara, who is alive. The two of them smile and greet one another, hinting at the start of a relationship between them.

Cast and characters

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Coco Martin portrays PS/Insp. Dominador "Ador" B. de Leon and P/Maj. Ricardo "Cardo" Dalisay.
Main article: List of Ang Probinsyano characters

Final

Main

Supporting

Recurring

  • Marvin Yap[9] as Elmo Santos
  • PJ Endrinal[22] as Wally Nieves
  • Bianca Manalo[36] as Lourdes "Bubbles" Torres
  • Lester Llansang[9] as P/Cpt. Mark Vargas
  • Arlene Tolibas[37] as Marikit Flores
  • Daria Ramirez[38] as Auring
  • Arlene Muhlach[38] as Loring
  • Ella Cruz[38] as Lisa
  • Jobert "Kuya Jobert" Austria[39] as Pat. George "Wangbu" Espinosa[f]
  • Hyubs Azarcon[40] as P/MSgt. Rolando "Lando" Reyes[f]
  • Nico Antonio[40] as Jacinto "Intoy" Santos
  • Lorenzo Mara as Ruben
  • Rhed Bustamante[41] as Ana
  • Kenken Nuyad[41] as Aye
  • Donna Cariaga[34] as Doray Mendoza
  • Joven Olvido[34] as Carlo "Caloy" Mendoza
  • Ghersie Fantastico[34] as Itong
  • Ferdinand "Prinsipe Makata" Clemente as Mot
  • Mark Manicad[42] as P/Cpt. Edwin Salonga[f]
  • Onyok Pineda[9][43] as Honorio "Onyok" Amaba
  • James "Paquito" Sagarino[44] as Paquito Alvarado
  • Rhian "Dang" Ramos[44] as Amanda "Dang" Ignacio
  • Shantel Crislyn Layh "Ligaya" Ngujo[44] as Ligaya Dungalo
  • Enzo Pelojero[44] as Dexter Flores
  • Iyannah Sumalpong[45] as Kristelle "Letlet" Sandoval

Former

Main

Very Special Participation
Very Special Role

Supporting

Introducing
Recurring

Guests

Main article: List of Ang Probinsyano guest stars

Production

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Pre-production

Originally, Martin was to do a different series based on his experiences as an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in Canada. This concept was floated as a movie starring Martin and Nora Aunor, which the latter turned down.[69] The film with Martin and Aunor would eventually be released in 2016 under the title Padre de Familia.[70] This concept would be revisited by Martin in his 2022 Metro Manila Film Festival entry Labyu with an Accent.[71]

With the film's release then uncertain, the concept was turned into a series, which necessitated a change in the female lead. Judy Ann Santos was approached to be Martin's leading lady. Santos, however, turned down the offer due to her pregnancy. Sarah Geronimo was approached but also decline. Martin then pitched the idea of adapting Ang Probinsyano.[69]

Martin's abandoned concept would eventually be released the same year as On the Wings of Love starring James Reid and Nadine Lustre.[69]

That production was impacted by Ang Probinsyano, as the character of Jiggs was to be played by Arjo Atayde.[72] Atayde's casting had gone as far as the look test when he was pulled out to play Joaquin Tuazon.[72] Albie Casiño eventually bagged the role of Jiggs.[72]

Concept

Hot off the heels of Martin's portrayal of PS/Insp. Garry Eraña on the "Plano" episode of Maalaala Mo Kaya which served as a tribute to the SAF 44,[73][74] ABS-CBN President and CEO Charo Santos-Concio floated the idea of an action drama series that aimed to give importance to the police force in an effort to help them "regain the love and respect of the people". Coco Martin, later named lead actor, was involved in the production shoot and proposed that the production team create a television adaptation. When asked why Martin chose to adapt Ang Probinsyano, he explained that he and his grandmother enjoyed watching films of the action star while growing up. The widow of Fernando Poe Jr., Susan Roces reportedly gave her blessing to the production.[75]

Ang Probinsyano was not a remake of the eponymous 1997 film. It was made to run for months to be more suitable for series viewers.[76]

The title of the original film was inspired by the term pulis patola, which is occasionally used to tease new police officers. Since patola, or cucumber (genus Luffa), is usually grown in the provinces outside urban areas, the film was given the title Ang Probinsyano.[76]

A special tribute screening of the film was held on 20 August 2015, in celebration of FPJ's 76th birthday and ahead of the premiere of the adaptation.[77] The screening was attended by the series cast, including Coco Martin, Susan Roces, Maja Salvador, Bela Padilla, Beverly Salviejo and Jaime Fàbregas who also served as the film's musical director.[77]

The first trailer was shown on September 4, 2015.[78]

Themes

Series themes include the will to fight and take possibly mortal risks, family relationships, bravery and fortitude, unconditional love, self-sacrifice, vengeance, and fighting for justice. The series depicts worsening issues based on ongoing social problems across the country, such as drug trafficking, political corruption, prostitution, human trafficking, worsening poverty, organized crime, and criminality, also transitioning to socio-political issues like governmental corruption, nepotism, business corruption, social injustice, human rights abuses, political murders, bureaucratic corruption, terrorism, usurping elite rule, fascism, and warlordism.

Countering these issues, Ang Probinsyano depicts the opposition of the system, guerilla warfare, class struggle, democracy, and the fight and resistance to the decaying and oppressive joint dictatorship of the oligarchy and the aristocracy.

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Casting

The adaptation was announced on 18 May 2015. The event was attended by ABS-CBN President and CEO Charo Santos-Concio and Coco Martin, Susan Roces, Albert Martinez, Angeline Quinto and Bela Padilla.

To prepare for the role, Martin and other cast members undewent police training,[79] Martin attended PNP flag-raising ceremonies to immerse himself in the role.[79][80] Martin had to learn various martial arts and weapons handling.[79] Marting performed most of his stunts.[81] He served as the creative consultant,[82] and later one of the directors.[83]

Singer-actress Angeline Quinto was cast as Lily, an original character in a different role, but was dropped from the cast.[84][85][86][87] Maja Salvador, who played the role of Glen, replaced her.[88] She had played with Martin four years earlier, in Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin.[89]

In April 2016, Bela Padilla was written out of the show. Padilla revealed that her role was only intended to last for the first eight weeks, but her stay was extended.[90] Padilla's character briefly returned, appearing in Cardo's dreams and imploring him to deliver justice for her death.[46]

On the April 7, 2016 episode, Eddie Garcia's character was teased during the funeral of Bela Padilla's character. In the following episode, Garcia's character Don Emilio Syquia was unveiled.[56] Between the end of 2016 and February 2017, Garcia's character did not appear as Garcia was recuperating from a car accident.[91][92] Towards the end of the fourth season, the Emilio Syquia character was seemingly killed off following a firefight with Cardo Dalisay.[93] However, his fate was left ambiguous to allow his eventual return.[93] Thus, Garcia sat out the rest of Season 5.[93] Garcia returned in the show's sixth season as Señor Gustavo Torralba whose, criminal activity had shifted to illegal mining and forced labor.[57] The Emilio Syquia/Gustavo Torralba character met a permanent end after another encounter with Cardo after almost 3 years.[94] Ang Probinsyano was his final TV assignment, as he died on 20 June 2019.[95]

In August 2016,[96] Salvador left due to the expiration of her contract,[97] The possibility of her return was the subject of speculation for years thereafter.[98][99] Yassi Pressman replaced Salvador as Martin's love interest, in the role of Alyana Arevalo.[47]

In January 2017, Cardo's sidekick Pepe Herrera exited. Herrera migrated with his family to New Zealand.[100]

To kick off the opening of the second arc, new cast members, led by Lito Lapid, Mark Lapid, Angel Aquino, John Arcilla, Jhong Hilario, Sid Lucero, Ronwaldo Martin and Mitch Valdez were added.[57]

In May 2017, Simon Pineda left.[43]

In November 2017, Angeline Quinto appeared as a guest character, in the role of Regine. Her character lasted until early February 2018.[101]

In March 2018, it was announced that Rowell Santiago, Edu Manzano, Dawn Zulueta and Alice Dixson would join.[28] Santiago played the President for the second-time since Tanging Yaman in 2010.[102] Manzano was cast as Vice President Lucas Cabrera. Zulueta and Dixson played the roles of First Lady Marissa Hidalgo and Second Lady Catherine Cabrera, respectively. Joining them were JC Santos, who had guested as the young Emilio Syquia,[59] as Marco Cabrera and Mark Anthony Fernandez as Congressman Brandon Cabrera.[48]

On April 17, 2018, Dreamscape Ad Prom Head, Eric John Salut, announced on Instagram that Ryza Cenon who had just transferred from the rival GMA Network was set to appear as part of the First Family.[51] She was joined by Francis Magundayao and Heart Ramos.[51] On the same day, Jolo Revilla's addition was revealed .[51]

In January 2019, Ryza Cenon left.[103]

In February 2019, it was reported that Lorna Tolentino was to appear in the sixth season.[104] On 11 March, Tolentino debuted as Lily Ann Cortez, Pres. Cabrera's bag lady who planned to pit Cabrera against Vendetta and side with the winner.[25] Originally, Tolentino's role was supposed to last for a month, but her appearances were repeatedly extended and eventually she became one of the series' top antagonists.[105]

Between February and March 2019, Lito Lapid,[106] Jhong Hilario,[107] Mark Lapid and Edu Manzano[108] to contest the 2019 midterm elections.

On 13 September 2019, Martin confirmed that he was in negotiations with Hollywood actors.[109] This plan was scrapped due to the pandemic.[110]

Broadcast

The series aired weekdays on Primetime Bida and worldwide via TFC.[111]

In 2019, the series was picked up by Netflix, which streamed the first season under the title Brothers.[112]

On March 16, 2020, the series was put on hiatus as part of ABS-CBN's temporary programming changes in response to the Enhanced community quarantine and production halt caused by the pandemic.[113] The first chapter started reruns on Jeepney TV under the title FPJ's Ang Probinsyano: Ang Simula.[114]

Amid uncertainty following ABS-CBN's franchise expiration[115] and the cease and desist order issued by the National Telecommunications Commission,[116] on June 4, 2020, ABS-CBN announced that the show would appear via the Kapamilya Channel and Cine Mo! for cable and satellite broadcast, as well as TV Plus.[117][118] For the first two weeks, a 10-episode recap aired before new episodes started to appar on June 29, 2020.[117] On June 15, Ang Probinsyano returned under the tagline "Tuloy ang Laban",[119] the same day production was slated to resume.[120] Because the tapings entailed a 5-week lock-in, Susan Roces begged off.[121] Eventually, the producers arranged for Roces to shoot scenes from her home which was handled by having her character hide separately from Cardo.[122]

Following the airing of the recap, its eighth season premiered on June 29, 2020.[123] The season 8 premiere was streamed live on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube[123] Beginning 14 July 2020, Ang Probinsyano was livestreamed on YouTube.[124] On its maiden livestream, the show garnered 56,000 live viewers.[124]

On October 10, 2020, the show resumed broadcasting over the ZOE Broadcasting Network-owned A2Z Channel 11 and on MediaQuest Holdings-owned TV5 on March 8, 2021.[125][126]

On June 29, 2021, Dreamscape Entertainment announced that the series would air in 41 countries in Africa via StarTimes PTV Regional network.[127]

Extension

FPJ's Ang Probinsyano was initially aired until July 2016 only,[128] but it was extended because of its action scenes, high ratings and well-received "real life lessons".[129] The series educated viewers about Philippine laws and issues.[130] To mark its first anniversary, a sold-out concert entitled FPJ's Ang Probinsyano: Isang Pamilya Tayo the Anniversary Concert was held on 8 October 2016 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.[131] The show appeared on pay-per-view via Sky On Demand.[132]

On April 21, 2017, ABS-CBN announced that the action drama would run until January 2018.[133] In August 2017, the series celebrated 100 weeks on the air.[134]

Owing to consistently high ratings, it was extended until June 2018[135] and again to September 2018, its third anniversary.[136] The anniversary was celebrated on the September 23, 2018 episode of ASAP.[137]

On July 4, 2018, ABS-CBN's Head of Corporate Communication Kane Errol Choa gave the show an indefinite extension.[138][139]

On August 8, 2019, Ang Probinsyano aired its 1000th episode,[140] with celebrations on the set.[141] On December 8, 2019, the show celebrated its 4th anniversary on ASAP Natin 'To.[142]

On July 22, 2022, Martin announced that production would end on August 12 to make way for the 2022 remake of Darna.[143]

Marketing

To promote the show, ABS-CBN launched tie-in merchandise that includes school supplies, apparel and toys.[144] They partnered with Asian Stationery to release some of this merchandise as part of Licensed Characters, including Ang Probinsyano.[145]

In 2017, an endless runner app based on the show was released.[146] Developed by Xeleb Technologies, the game registered 50,000 downloads in the first five minutes of its release and by August was approaching one million downloads.[147][148]

Ang Probinsyano was used as the theme of various attractions,[149] including Misyon: Ang Probinsyano, an attraction offered by ABS-CBN Studio XP, a 4D interactive theater game with rules akin to the Filipino traditional game patintero.[150][151] Another is the escape room game FPJ's Ang Probinsyano: The Escape Room, a collaboration between ABS-CBN and Left Behind PH that features puzzles and tasks inspired by the series.[152]

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Connections to the film

Main articles: Ang Probinsyano (film) and Pagbabalik ng Probinsyano

The series both followed and deviated from the original film. Among these are:

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Soundtrack

Quick Facts FPJ's Ang Probinsyano: The Official Soundtrack, Soundtrack album by Various Artists ...
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Ratings

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FPJ's Ang Probinsyano is one of the Philippines' most-watched series. It currently holds the record for the highest-rated pilot episode of all time for any series since the Philippines switched to nationwide TV ratings system in 2009, at 41.6% in 2015,[166] as well as the second highest-rated telecast in the same period after the 2010 series finale of May Bukas Pa, registering a rating of 47.2% in October 2018.[167]

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Finale reception

After a seven-year run on both television and digital platforms, the series pulled an all-time high of more than 536,543 concurrent viewers on YouTube.[171] The series occupied half of the trending list of Twitter, with #FPJsAngProbinsyano and #FPJAP7MissionAccomplished replacing each other at the top spot.[172] The series finale attained its highest household rating on August 12, 2022, with an average of 16.6%, which placed in the top spot of the overall rating board, marking the highest television rating for any series finale for an ABS-CBN-produced program since the former Duterte administration ordered the network's free TV franchise denial in 2020 during the COVID pandemic as well as the highest television rating for any non-sports primetime telecast on TV5 since its acquisition of ABS-CBN programming via blocktime agreement.

Controversies

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"Girl in the Rain" episode

On July 29, 2016, the MTRCB sent a summons to the show over a scene in its July 25, 2016 episode with "sexually suggestive themes".[173] The scene in question featured Ella (Vice Ganda) having a hard time changing a flat tire in the rain, when Cardo pulls over to help out. Double entendres were allegedly used in the dialogue between the characters.[173]

The MTRCB noted that although the episode showed a SPG (Strong Parental Guidance) rating, pursuant to MTRCB Memorandum Circular No. 12-2011, the episode did not contain the appropriate descriptor "SEX" despite the presence of what may be considered 'sexually suggestive' shots.[173]

A conference was held on August 2, 2016, wherein Malu Sevilla (director), Eileen Garcia (executive producer), Dagang Vilbar (producer), Elaine Songco (network MTRCB coordinator) and John Joseph Tuason (episode writer) attended. MTRCB Chairman Eugenio Villareal noted that the summoned personnel stated that they had no intention to offend; and they see room for improvement as regards sensitivity to particular audiences, for instance, women and the young.[173]

Villareal likewise said that they took note of the show's "self-regulatory resolution" to fight objectification and depict scenes instead where the "dignity of the human person is upheld".[173]

Mt. Arayat as a rebel stronghold

Originally, Pulang Araw held camp at Mt. Arayat until SAF Troopers raided it, forcing them to escape to the fictional Mt. Karagao.

Behind the scenes, the show began removing references to the Municipality of Arayat, Pampanga, beginning with its July 18, 2017 episode. However, despite scrubbing all mention to Arayat, on July 21, 2017, the Municipal Council of Arayat, Pampanga forwarded a Resolution to the Provincial Board demanding that the show's producers apologize for depicting Arayat "as a haven and breeding ground for terrorists and hoodlums". The Resolution also called for "a hearing and to make ABS-CBN apologize for the wrong impressions it created and to correct these [in the long-running telenovela]".[174] The Municipality of Arayat contemplated filing charges of libel against ABS-CBN for the show's "damaging" portrayal of the town.[175]

The show's producers reasoned that Arayat was only used nominally and the production never shot a scene there. The producers said that they had no intention to portray Arayat in a bad light; that a disclaimer was issued at the beginning of each episode, stating that the characters, incidents and organizations depicted there were purely fictitious. ABS-CBN apologized to the Municipality.[174]

Mayor Alejandrino directed ire at former Pampanga Governors Mark Lapid and Lito Lapid for their participation. Martinis a native of Pampanga, hailing from San Fernando.[175]

Alejandrino said that the show's storyline is a sensitive topic in Arayat, which used to be a bastion for socialist and communist movements up to the 1990s.[174]

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Usage of Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera's family photos

The show's production team was called out online by fans of the spouses Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera over the allegedly unauthorized usage of the spouses' family pictures.[176] The controversy began gaining steam when a fan site dedicated to the spouse' daughter Zia, ZiaDantesFanSite‏ posted a video with the caption "Zia's photo was unethically used by ‘Ang Probinsyano’ in Nov 2017. In last night's episode, [Dingdong and Marian] DongYan's photo was edited and used again by the show. Were the photos of Dingdong, Marian and Zia used [and] edited without permission? Dear Ang Probinsyano, strike two na po kayo ah." which was quickly shared and from which Dantes possibly gained knowledge of such usage.

Dantes' posted his response to the controversy:[177] "Courtesy and fair practice must always be observed especially in an established industry like ours. But whether or not it is done within the entertainment sector, we should always be reminded of the basic etiquette for online photo use and sharing that includes asking permission and/or citing sources. I do hope that this won't happen again to anyone." he wrote. In the same post, Dantes also shared an excerpt of his letter to the production team dated August 11, 2018 which read "I appreciate that you found artistic inspiration from the original photos. Unfortunately, there is the inescapable consequence that legal and moral rights were violated here. And as you may very well be aware of, established industry practice is against such act as it amounts to disrespect. Worst of all, as a father and husband, I cannot help but feel offended and deeply hurt by such actions, which happened not just once, but twice. Basic rules of courtesy in this case dictate that you first secure permission from the photographer and my Family".[178]

On August 14, 2018, the production team released a statement apologizing to Dantes and his family.[179] The statement explained that the production team hired a third-party contractor to create the props, of which they were neither aware that the photograph belonged to Dantes nor was it intended to disrespect or offend Dantes and his family.

The producers added that they had already launched an investigation "to prevent a similar incident from happening in the future." Alice Dixson, likewise offered her apology to Dantes.[180]

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Negative portrayal of the PNP

Portraying members of the PNP as scalawags

Numerous citations from both the PNP, DILG and other agencies criticized its portrayal of government agencies, the PNP in particular, as part of the Chapter 3 (Political Arc)M.[181]

PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde, while admitting he is a fan, criticized the portrayal of his fictional counterpart, Alejandro Terante (Soliman Cruz). He attacked the portrayal of Terante as power-hungry and corrupt.[182] Albayalde withdrew his support.[183][184] DILG Secretary Eduardo Año voiced his displeasure over the depiction of the police force. Año threatened to file a case against the show's producers for the illegal use of insignas and uniform of the PNP, punishable under Article 179 of the Revised Penal Code, if the show did not change its plot.[185][186] Senator Panfilo Lacson, a former PNP Chief, commiserated with Albayalde as he deemed the depiction of the PNP to be unfair.[187][188]

Prior to the PNP's withdrawal of support, however, Martin apologized to the PNP[189] and assured the latter that the show had no intent to malign the PNP.[190] Martin noted that Albayalde, who was relatively new to his post, may have misconstrued the story arc and gave further assurance that the depiction of the men in uniform as scalawags would not be permanent.[191] ABS-CBN assured the PNP that it had no intention to disparage the PNP in this work of fiction.[192]

Many others defended the show and criticized the PNP for excessive sensitivity. Among those that supported Ang Probinsyano was Senator Grace Poe, whose father starred in the original film. Poe pointed out that the show, promoted positive values including respect for elders, courage and patriotism. Poe further noted that the film featured corrupt policemen and urged the PNP to look at a bigger picture, that it should not be forgotten that the series protagonist is a policeman.[193] Actress Jasmine Curtis-Smith criticized the PNP's reaction, also recalling how Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral earlier ran into the same problem.[194] The Concerned Artists of the Philippines (CAP) condemned the PNP and DILG statements as an attack on freedom of expression.[195] Similarly, the Let's Organize for Democracy and Integrity (LODI) group slammed the PNP and urged Año and Albayalde to "look in the mirror".[196] Netizens jumped to the show's defense.[197]

The MTRCB, through its chair Rachel Arenas, said that it could not censor the show as the agency is a bridge between constitutionally protected expression and the state's right to regulate. She added that she saw nothing objectionable about the portrayal.[198]

After a meeting between Martin and the show's producers with the PNP and DILG, the latter supported the show. ABS-CBN and DILG jointly stated that the latter will continue to support the show "as it continues to inspire Filipinos with the valuable lesson that in the end, good will always triumph over evil."[199] Later a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the parties.[200]

"Atake" episode depicting rape and violence against policewomen

A scene in the July 15, 2019 episode showed the rape of policewomen by Bungo (Baron Geisler). Netizens claimed that the rape and violence were too graphic. PNP members claimed that the rape committed upon uniformed officers was a disrespect to their uniforms.[201] In a statement, PNP Deputy Spokesperson Lt. Col. Kimberly Molitas said that the PNP will talk to the production staff and "[d]epending on the extent of the violation [we] may warn them or rescind the said MOU".[202]

Unflattering PAO depiction

The PNP controversy recurred. PAO Chief Persida Rueda-Acosta twitted the show for the "unauthorized" usage of PAO's seal, echoing Senator Lacson's statement. Moreover, she cried foul over a scene that showed PAO lawyers who were unwilling to take a case that would pit them against the allies of President Lucas Cabrera (Edu Manzano).[203]

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Alleged staff maltreatment

The show was hounded by rumors of staff maltreatment on set. The rumors included Martin's alleged temper, which according to Arjo Atayde was "a big, big misinterpretation". Atayde explain that the gesture is only meant to remind everyone on the set to observe proper decorum, that Martin cares about the show that he wants it to be as perfect as possible.[204]

Martin has also been alleged to have doused the staff and cast with water while they were sleeping.[205] The issue cropped up again a year later when Robin Padilla accused Martin of the dousing stunt and that Martin argued with a female location director and lost his temper. Padilla's claims came amid his rants against ABS-CBN, which was then facing the impending expiration of its franchise and stonewalling committed by the House of Representatives on the franchise renewal bills.[206] Dreamscape Entertainment, however, rejected Padilla's claim. Dreamscape explained that the incidences of water dousing was just a prank.[207] This was corroborated by Atayde, who again rose to Martin's defense.[208]

On August 19, 2019, Irene Minor, a supposed talent manager, became the subject of a complaint on Bitag. The complainant alleged that Minor was involved in a ponzi scheme and was not paying the talent she brought on.[209] Minor contended that ABS-CBN was not paying her and that she was actually advancing payment to her people through the investments that were the subject of the complaint against her.[209] ABS-CBN denied Minor's claims, stated that Minor is neither connected to the show nor the network and that it had banned Minor after receiving similar complaints.[209]

The issue would resurface as a former cameraman of ABS-CBN launched new accusations against Martin following his statements rallying support for the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN.[210] Actors, directors and staff members came to his defense and released statements in support, refuting point-by-point the cameraman's allegations.[211]

Franchise renewal

Main article: ABS-CBN franchise renewal controversy

Following Solicitor General Jose Calida's filing of a quo warranto petition before the Supreme Court seeking to nullify ABS-CBN's franchise, the stars of Ang Probinsyano joined the prayer vigil for the franchise renewal and appealed to members of the Congress to grant the same.[212]

Martin became one of the most outspoken critics of the Duterte Administration after ABS-CBN was forced off the air.[213][214] Martin launched tirades against the National Telecommunications Commission and Solicitor General Jose Calida for their hand in the shutdown, remarking that they had made fools out of Filipinos.[215] Martin attacked presidential spokesperson Harry Roque for his statements on the future of ABS-CBN employees and the preferential treatment received by POGOs.[216] Internet trolls descended upon Martin's social media accounts,[217] leading the former to deactivate his Instagram account.[218]

Calida retaliated against Martin during the June 1, 2020 House committee hearings on the renewal, quipping "He feels that he can solve their problems the same way as he solves them on screen, with macho bluster and bravado. Allegedly, he has apologized for his tantrum", in reference to Martin.[219]

In the midst of the controversy, Martin explained that he was passionate about ABS-CBN's fate because he was concerned for his "family", ABS-CBN employees.[220]

Apart from Martin's statements, Ang Probinsyano and Cardo Dalisay emerged as top twitter trending topics on the day ABS-CBN was forced off the air[221] and after its return was announced.[222]

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Reception

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Sociocultural and political

Societal issues

The show was praised for integrating timely societal issues its story.[223] One critic marked Ang Probinsyano as a "social commentary of our times".[224][171] The show was praised for its handling of the polarizing Philippine Drug War.[225]

However, it received both criticism and praise for its depiction of various government agencies and their personnel.[181][223][197]

On its February 15, 2022 episode, a fictional presidential debate was presented.[226][227] The episode coincided with the actual presidential debate held by the controversial SMNI.[228][229]

Values

Ang Probinsyano was praised for showing positive values on television, such as patriotism, the importance of prayers, acceptance of members of the LGBT community, and the family's paramount role in Philippine society.[230]

Additionally, the show's depiction of the sentiments of its characters to current events resonated well with audiences who found the same relatable.[231][232] According to sociologist Josephine Placido, the show has earned the title of "Pambansang Teleserye" because of the good values and life lessons that the show depicts on television.[233]

Historian Xiao Chua opined that the show gives Filipinos hope as it is structured in the "light-dark-light" form characteristic of Philippine epic poetry,[233] also adopted by Fernando Poe Jr., in his films.[234] The Cardo Dalisay character was praised as a role model who was "steadfast and incorruptible".[223]

The show reached out to various communities, such as leading the Oplan Balik Eskwela, where Martin gave school supplies to the students of Paradise Farm Elementary School in Blanca.[230]

Ligtas Tips

The show produced public service announcements that it calls Ligtas Tips.[235] The PSAs air during commercial breaks, with related infographics appearing on the show's website.[236] In 2017, Ligtas Tips were anthologized into FPJ's Ang Probinsyano Ligtas Tips, published by ABS-CBN Publishing.[237]

Platform for returning actors

The program offered an avenue for major stars to return to television.[238] Action stars were often featured owing to the decline of the action genre in cinemas.[239] Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. praised Martin and the series as a blessing to former stars and stuntmen.[240]

Martin cast out-of-work actors and actresses, giving them another chance in showbusiness.[241][242][243] Among these stars are Mark Anthony Fernandez,[244] CJ Ramos,[244] Rhed Bustamante,[244] Whitney Tyson[244] and Mystica.[245]

Revival of the action genre

The series helped to revive the action genre in both film and television.[246][247] Cast members Jeric Raval[248] and Jolo Revilla[249] thanked Martin for reviving the action genre, while action star Ronnie Ricketts claimed that Martin had kept the genre alive.[250]

"Immortality" and superhero status of Cardo Dalisay

Much like the star of the film,[251] Martin's take on the role was characterized as "immortal".[252][253][254] The tag does not, however, come from Cardo Dalisay's gunslinging and fighting prowess, but from his ability to escape death.[255] This includes his "death" at the hands of Marco Cabrera (JC Santos), which was revealed to be a dream sequence[256] and his brush with death after he was overpowered by Bungo (Baron Geisler)[257] and Lito (Richard Gutierrez).[258] These "deaths" and the series' numerous extensions has made it the subject of jokes and memes among Filipino netizens.[256][259][260] Martin has acknowledged the memes and jokes and posted his own meme stating that the show was set to end in September 2048.[261] These incidents earned strong fan reactions.[262][263]

Martin described the late Fernando Poe Jr. as his superhero.[264] Similar to Poe, Martin attained superhero status.[265] This would be tested - Martin to be seen as the "face of the resistance".[266]

Political influence

As the country's top-rating and longest-running action series, the show became a sought after source of political endorsements. The show's involvement began with Martin's endorsement of Grace Poe for President in the 2016 national elections.[267] Martin again endorsed Poe in the 2019 midterm elections.[268]

In a 2018 survey conducted by PUBLiCUS, Asia, Inc., Martin was rated the most valuable celebrity endorsement to voters in Metro Manila.[269] Earlier that year, the names of show characters were used in a mock election conducted by the COMELEC. Cardo Dalisay won the post of Barangay Chairman.[270]

Martin and leading lady Yassi Pressman dabbled in endorsing party-list groups, supporting Ang Probinsyano party-list as representatives of the organization's youth sector.[271] The party-list finished fifth, assuring it of a seat at the House of Representatives.[272][273] The partylist bid was contested by former AGHAM Partylist representative Angelo Palmones, who alleged that the organization took the name of the television series to circumvent regulations limiting candidates' exposure on television.[274] Another controversy erupted when party-list representative Alfredo de los Santos figured in an incident in Albay that saw him punch a waiter.[275] The partylist launched a probe on the incident and De los Santos later apologized for the incident.[276]

Actors with political aspirations sought exposure in the series to improve their profile among voters.[277] These had to be written off the show before the start of their respective campaign periods.[278] Nine former cast or guest cast members ran for the 2019 midterm elections, although only Lito Lapid and Jhong Hilario emerged victorious.[279] Grace Poe finished in second position and two party-list groups bearing the show's name were within the top 10, confirming its endorsement value.[280][281]

Special citations

CIDG

In January 2016, Martin was given a certificate of appreciation for his role. The citation was given during the 63rd Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Founding Anniversary.[282]

In July of the same year, Martin was invited as a guest at Camp Crame by then-PNP Chief Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, a confessed fan.[283] The top cop thanked Martin for the show's positive portrayal of the PNP.[284][285]

DILG

The show received praise from the Interior and Local Government Secretary Ismael Sueno who stated that the police force should take the example of Cardo Dalisay.[286]

House of Representatives

On 14 September 2016, Surigao congressman Robert Ace Barbers filed House Resolution No. 358 at the 17th Congress of the Philippines. The resolution commended the show for its efforts to promote crime awareness and prevention among viewers and endorsed Martin as "Celebrity Advocate for a Drug-Free Philippines".[287]

Accolades

More information Year, Award-giving body ...

Notes

  1. Ador died with the rank of Police Senior Inspector. When Cardo was posing as Ador, he "solved" the child trafficking case the latter left behind following his death, thus promoting "Ador" to Chief Inspector. When the ruse was revealed, the promotion was nullified.
  2. The reason why Cardo and Ador do not share the same surname is because Cardo was put up for adoption to secure his medical treatment. Borja was the middle name used by Ador in the series, even though it was not his mother's maiden name. It may not be explicitly stated in the series but Ador used "Borja" as his middle name, the reason for such usage remains unclear. In the first episode, certificates and portraits Ador's name read as "Dominador M. de Leon", however due to continuity errors, he was introduced as "Cadet Dominador Borja de Leon" during the PNPA Graduation Ceremony,[10] as well as in his promotion to Police Senior Inspector in the third episode.[11] In some episodes, Ador's gravestone in the cemetery was also shown as "PS/INSP. Dominador B. de Leon".[12]
  3. The character's rank is based on §28, R.A. No. 6975 (Department of the Interior and Local Government Act of 1990), the law governing police ranks at the time the character appeared on and/or exited from the show.
  4. "Paloma Picache" is one of Cardo's disguises and is not a separate character. Cardo used the disguise twice to infiltrate various crime organizations. First being used to penetrate Madam Olga's White Slavery racket and then later, Ella's crime family.
  5. Other than Paloma Picache, Cardo has also used various aliases throughout the series. He used the name Arthur Rosales,[13] to pose as a buyer of the human organs illegally harvested by Dr. Ivan Gomez (Eric Quizon); Rico,[14] while on the run with Trina Trinidad (Anne Curtis) from Scarface Dimayuga (Nonie Buencamino) and his men; Edward,[15] when he infiltrated the Party Drug ring of Jonas Paulino (Jake Cuenca); Boy,[16] when on behalf of Benny, he posed as Marie's (Meg Imperial) secret admirer; Caloy,[17] when he infiltrated Atong's (Emilio Garcia) illegal dog fighting club; Raul,[18] whilst wearing reggae garb, in order to safely board a ferry bound for Cebu; Miguel,[19] when he was a fugitive from the New Bilibid Prison and both hiding and undercover in Cebu; and Fernan, later adding the nom de guerre Agila,[20] during his time undercover as part of Pulang Araw. Originally, Fernan was meant to be "Elmer"[21] as it was one of the names we can hear Cardo introduce himself with to Romulo Dumaguit upon regaining consciousness. This, however was later changed to Fernan in succeeding episodes.
  6. The character's rank is based on R.A. No. 11200, the current law prescribing police ranks in the Philippines
  7. While General Olegario was married to Romulo Dumaguit in the show's sixth season, she continued to carry the last name of her first husband. "Olegario" is the last name of her deceased prior spouse and not her maiden name as evidenced by the fact that her son Joel (Marco Gumabao) carried the last name Olegario.
  8. Task Force Agila members who died during the mission to capture Renato and allies are posthumously promoted by President Hidalgo for their acts of heroism.
  9. President Hidalgo's body double employed in order to make sure a succession in the office does not occur despite the real Hidalgo's absence.
  10. Delfin Borja retired from the PNP with the rank of Police Major General (P/MGen) under R.A. No. 11200, its equivalent rank under R.A. No. 6975 being Police Director.
  11. Delfin died with the rank of Police Major General (P/MGen). When Task Force Agila were reinstated, President Hidalgo awarded Delfin posthumous promotion to Police Lieutenant General (P/LtGen) for his acts of heroism.
  12. Bela Padilla's character Carmen M. Guzman was twice married during her run in the series, once to Dominador "Ador" B. De Leon, and after the latter's death, to Joaquin S. Tuazon.
  13. Teddy Arevalo used pen names while writing against the government and exposing its corruption. Against Lucas Cabrera's administration in Season 6, Teddy used the name Juan Verdad. He also used the name Jose Malaya in his exposés against Lily and her allies in Season 7.
  14. Lucas Cabrera was written off the show as the sitting President of the Republic of the Philippines, hence he is still credited as President
  15. JC Santos also previously guested as the teenage Emilio Syquia in flashbacks.
  16. Marissa Hidalgo was written off the show as the First Lady of the Philippines, hence she is credited as such
  17. Catherine Cabrera left the show before Lucas Cabrera's ascencion to the Presidency, thus she is still billed as the second lady because the title was never explicitly used by the character on the show.
  18. Emilio Syquia began using the alias Gustavo Torralba after surviving his near fatal encounter with Vendetta. Under this guise, Torralba presents himself as a Colombian businessman; moreover he has shifted his business interest to illegal mining.
  19. Gina Magtanggol was written off the show as a sitting Manila City Councilor awaiting trial as principal for the complex crime of unintentional abortion with double frustrated murder, hence she is still listed under her title as City Councilor.
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