MANILA, Philippines – Unless you've been living under a rock with no data services or cable TV, you're likely to have seen or at least heard about primetime ABS-CBN action TV series FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano. It is, after all, longest-running teleserye among all the shows that are still on-air.
It began airing on September 28, 2015.
The show is based on the original 1997 film of the same title starring the late Fernando Poe Jr. It was produced by FPJ Productions. It is now also being produced by Dreamscape PH.
The story follows a policeman named Ador de Leon who was killed in a drug bust operation after being betrayed by a fellow cop. Ador’s twin brother, Cardo Dalisay, assumes his late brother’s identity to ensure justice is served by going after the drug syndicates and dirty cops that were responsible for his brother's death.
Ador and Cardo are both played by Coco Martin. Other celebrities included in the show's ensemble cast are Eddie Garcia, Edu Manzano, Alessandra de Rossi, Christopher Roxas, Yassi Pressman, Susan Roces, John Prayts Joel Torres, Joey Marquez, among many others.
Each episode of the show runs for about 30-45 minutes long.
The show has also garnered multiple awards from various organizations, such as from the 30th PMPC Star Awards for TV, PEP List Awards 2016, the 24th KBP Golden Dove Awards, 38th Catholic Mass Media Awards, among others.
One of the series' directors included Toto Natividad, who recently resigned from his role and is now a guest director for GMA-7’s show Cain and Abel.
Coco Martin has also acted as creative consultant for the show, but uses his birth name Rodel Nacianceno in the credits roll. Coco also does some of his stunts himself.
Since its premiere 3 years ago, the action drama series has often grabbed the top spot when it comes to TV ratings.
It has been lauded for its efforts in promoting crime awareness and prevention, while also informing the public on realistic issues such as prostitution, child abuse, police abduction, and the illegal drug trade.
But the apparent adulation – particularly from government institutions – has run out.
The show has been criticized by the Philippine National Police and Interior Department, who both claim that the recent plot is unfair to police. (READ: DILG chief wants 'Ang Probinsyano' plot changed to favor PNP)
DILG said on Friday, November 16 that it would "seriously consider filing legal action and imposing sanctions" if the show continues its "grossly unfair and inaccurate portrayal of our police force." (READ: DILG to sue 'Ang Probinsyano' plot changed to favor PNP)
The PNP followed by officially banning the use of the PNP's assets, personnel, equipment, and facilities, which had been regularly used for the production of the show previously. —Rappler.com
