Pampanga 3rd District Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr. filed a resolution appealing to film and TV producers to “stop typecasting congressmen and congresswomen as villains or crooks in movies and telenovelas,” reported the Inquirer story on the front page on Tuesday (Feb. 21).
Gonzales proposed House Resolution No. 2140 urging producers “not to create stereotypes or negative public perception against members of the House of Representatives.”
It also added that Gonzales, a member of the Nationalist People’s Coalition who left the minority bloc to join the majority group, said congressmen could only make an appeal because “this issue is covered by the constitutionally guaranteed freedom of speech and of expression.”
Precisely. So why legislate when he can make an appeal?
In fact, Cong. Dong’s colleagues in the House had instantly killed his proposed resolution using his own basis.
“It would also violate the Constitution as it would constitute prior restraint,” stressed Ako Bikol Rep. Rodel Batocabe.
Another congressman, Navotas City Rep. Tobias Tiangco said lawmakers should not be onion-skinned as to be affected by such trifle matters.
“No matter how they portray you, whether you are the President or a driver, you should not be affected as long as your conscience is clear.” For Akbayan Rep. Walden Bello, the resolution is simply “a fundamental violation of artistic freedom.”
Dong’s resolution has only given TV producers more reasons to continue typecasting congressmen and congresswomen not only as crooks or villains but also as “dumb and dumber” in movies and in telenovelas.
Why does it bother him anyway? Is it an admission of guilt? Or is that how he tries to change the image of a tainted institution? Or is he afraid to be tagged as one of the villains in Gotham City?
So how are you going to portray congressmen in movies and in telenovelas? Like Leon Guerrero or Panday?
Like Nardong Putik or Judge Asuncion? Like Mulawin or Darna? Or, he probably wants to portray congressmen as Manny Pacquiao?
Then Cong Dong is not saving the whole local movie industry from falling down but depriving it of artistic ingenuity, giving Filipinos more reasons to watch foreign movies.
That is why movie makers and TV producers keep on typecasting some congressmen as traitors, double crossers and corrupt officials who benefitted, profited, looted and amassed millions of pesos from the government.
It is not creating negative public perception against politicians but giving the audience a bigger picture close to reality. At any rate, moviegoers should be given the kind of entertainment they deserve.
But if such movie the way Cong Dong wants it to be will be shown in theaters, I’ll be in a hurry to line up and buy a bucket of popcorn, a bottled water or soda and a ticket to watch it – well, starring Cong. Dong vs. GMA? It’ll be a sure “box office hit”.
LOCAL SPORTS. The Central Luzon Regional Athletic Association (CLRAA) 2012 kicked off last Sunday with 18 provinces, cities and municipalities joining the prestigious sports competition in the region.
Defending champion and powerhouse Bulacan province remains to be the delegation to beat in the overall ranking having a complete team line up. Meanwhile, Angeles City will try its best to win a slot in the top 3 this year.
