Unlike in Hollywood, our celebrities in the Philippines do not crossover from radio to theatre to television to film – they crossover from showbiz to politics. The crossover has affected the whole gamut of the Philippine celebrity world that it instituted that the line dividing showbiz and politics became ultra-thin or there is no such thing as a line at all.
Not that celebrities are sure menace in public administration but the electorate deserves more than an actor or an actress. The standard is the actor, orator-debater, FEU Outstanding Alumnus awardee Rogelio dela Rosa – born of a family inclined with arts and sports – the actor who started the crossover phenomena. He won a 6-year term senatorial seat in 1957 heavily focused on agricultural laws. Also, he co-authored a law establishing the precursor of the MTRCB. The matinee idol who became senator had never gone back to silver screen job after getting into public service. In the middle of his senate term in 1961, he ran for President opposite incumbent President Carlos Garcia and his brother-in-law, the Top of the 1936 Bar – Diosdado Macapagal. Rogelio withdrew – leaving Macapagal and Carlos Garcia fighting teeth and nail. However, his career in government has not ended yet. He became a diplomat. And not just a diplomat or a Foreign Service officer – he was Dean of the Diplomatic Corps twice. Yes. He is an actor who has every right to have a special passport (unlike some we know). He was Ambassador to Cambodia and earned the respect and admiration of King Norodom Sihanouk. He also became Ambassador to Netherlands (which made him the Ambassador to Poland, Bulgaria, and Czechoslovakia, too). He died in 1986 – EDSA Year – two years after he failed his second attempt at the Senate.
I might have mixed my ideas with the other. I was supposed to talk about political tv series and not about politician-actors. But, anyway, I hope you have learned from the Rogelio dela Rosa trivia. Going forward with the political tv series train of thought, the political genre of tv series in the Philippines is barely present. The only genre present would be romance and romance and crime (kidnapping) and romance. The “political” is not a genre but rather a mere tag for most. The Philippines has not gotten much political series as heavy as House of Cards, The Good Wife, or Scandal – but for now, we can give the following programs a thought and rediscover the Philippine political culture.
Starting off with Number 10:
10. GENESIS, 2013 
(Key people: Lorna Tolentino, Ronnie Henares, Dingdong Dantes, Rhian Ramos, Joyce Bernal, Mark Reyes, Jun Lana)
Dubbed as the first science-fiction drama in the country, this failed to score high at the ratings game and it failed to match the visual effects of Resiklo. The free tv audience is not yet ready for an intelligent series. However, the basis of the show’s idea is very well grounded. The show involves the lost child plot staple to Philippine dramas (this one’s a setback); great stellar cast; and an out-of-this-world super villain – an asteroid (they could have had more research on this and make it a little Kap’s Amazing-ish). There is not too much politics involved as it deals more on the sufferings of people and how they cope up with life when faced with calamities – emotional and natural, but it is a big deal to see women playing powerful political characters, (especially Lorna Tolentino in the Philippine president role) and men showing their more emotional side on the screen. The series ended with the United Nations confirming that the earth is already safe.
9. PANGAKO SA’YO, 2000
(Key people: Tonton Gutierrez, Jean Garcia, Eula Valdez, Jericho Rosales, Kristine Hermosa, Rory Quintos, Olivia Lamasan, Michiko Yamamoto,)
The series would not go as iconic if not for the superb tandem of Jean and Eula as the Provincial First Lady Claudia and the rags-to-riches businesswoman Amor, respectively. Yes. Claudia’s husband was Governor Eduardo Buenavista of the fictional province of Punta Verde. Claudia was presented as a gambling queen and her husband, a very dedicated and loving adulterer – ready to leave his own family for his mistress. Well, the provincial first couple are both engaged in extramarital affairs but the relation between Eduardo and Amor is more pivotal in the world-famous Philippine drama. The series is not very much political but it made it to this list because of the immense global popularity of the series. It assured its cast an international following.
8. TANGING YAMAN, 2010
(Key people: Rowell Santiago, Leo Martinez, Mylene Dizon, Agot Isidro, Erich Gonzales, Manny Palo, Lino Cayetano, Trina Dayrit)
The focus of the series is the love story of the younger characters – just like most dramas. Vice President’s son and the President’s daughter. The drama’s major premise would have worked without including politics but mixing it did not hurt the production. After all, it was directed by Lino Cayetano – a congressman. Leo Martinez and Isay Alvarez prove their superb acting abilities and in this television series. Everytime Leo Martinez delivers a long script, his voice reminds me of Morgan Freeman. He played the Vice President of the Philippines Sol Buenavista (I wonder if he is related to Eduardo Buenavista. #politicaldynasty) – ready to do anything to take the spot of Rowell Santiago’s character – President Juan Policarpio – a fireman turned politico. Hmm. Ramon Magsaysay-ish.
7. MINSAN LANG KITA IIBIGIN, 2010
(Key people: Ronaldo Valdez, Tonton Gutierrez, Coco Martin, Lorna Tolentino, Boots Anson Roa, Ruel Bayani, Reggie Amigo)
Estranged twins. The other a military, the other a rebel. Partners exchange. The concept is not necessarily new but the execution and the plot gives it a new color. This is a masterfully done series brave enough to touch the issue of the rebellion (knock, knock, New People’s Army) and portray their humanity in spite of being regarded as terrorists. This show received citation from the Philippine Military Academy. There is not too much politics involved but it shows military and some government activities in the war against rebels. To show the culture of the military and the rebels in such light is new to the senses. This series, just like Ikaw Lamang, makes good use of time period as element of the series, too.
6. IKAW LAMANG, 2014
(Key people: Ronaldo Valdez, Tirso Cruz III, Christopher de Leon, Coco Martin, Jake Cuenca, Manny Palo, Malu Sevilla, Avel Sunpongco, Deo Endrinal)
This is an outstanding period drama – with great consideration to production design (which sets the mood for a ‘period’ genre). The sugar plantation setting should not just only remind you of the sugar empires in Negros but also of the other one in Tarlac and the tabacaleras in Ilocos, and all other haciendas around the archipelago. The story, the production, and the casting were in sublime harmony. Just like other dramas, the love story is pivotal. Every scene reeks with the sweat, blood, and tears that each of the production members has shed. It was well-loved by the audience that it continued for a second season – showing the role of Jake Cuenca growing up into Christopher de Leon’s Senator Franco Hidalgo. The only reservation I had why it was only on the sixth spot was because the series reminds me of an older series which I consider epic.
5. ABANGAN ANG SUSUNOD NA KABANATA, 1991
(Key people: Tessie Tomas, Nova Villa, Noel Trinidad, Anjo Yllana, Jose Javier Reyes, Johnny Manahan, Ipe Pelino)
This political satire comedy series was running for six years and it reinstated the freedom to ridicule the government in primetime television – something the Marcos administration will prohibit. The story revolves around the affairs of the people of the district represented by Congressman Anding Tengco played by veteran comic Noel Trinidad. The famous Imelda Marcos impersonator and comic genius, Tessie Tomas, played the Tengco’s wife. Ingeniously written by Joey Reyes, each of the characters in the satire comedy represents a sector of society. Although a political satire, its subliminal message of disgust is not only towards politicians but towards the core of mediocrity itself in this country – the Filipino people.
4. KATIPUNAN, 2014
(Key people: Sid Lucero, Glaiza de Castro, Ian Victoriano, King Mark Baco)
Although more historical than political, this contemporary yet instant-classic television series produced by GMA to coincide with the celebration of Andres Bonifacio’s sesquicentennial, sheds light on the affairs of the premier revolutionary government of the Philippines – the Katipunan – and the life of the “First Filipino President” Andres Bonifacio. The series corrected the notion of Bonifacio being illiterate, uncultured, and the poster boy of violence as contrast to Rizal’s academic, refined, and diplomatic image (which was shown on another GMA series, Ilustrado). Here, Andres Bonifacio’s background as a thespian was given focus. Also, it showed how, again, a woman, in the person of Oriang (played by Glaiza de Castro) plays a very powerful role in a political setting. The television series has no stellar cast but its cinematography, production design (just like Ikaw lamang), script, and historical accuracy were taken into consideration with much effort.
3. KUNG MAWAWALA KA, 2000
(Key people: Eddie Garcia, Sunshine Dizon, Cogie Domingo, Armida Siguion-Reyna, Liza Lorena, Gloria Diaz, Hilda Koronel, Joel Lamangan, Roy Iglesias, Dino Erece, Jun Lana)
This is epic. The series aired not long after Joseph Estrada was ousted off the presidency. Eddie Garcia brilliantly portrayed Leandro Montemayor, a politician from the province of San Dionisio – the Godfather of their political dynasty. This role is perfect for uragon Eddie. You can’t think of anyone better for the role. The character seems to be inspired by Chavit Singson, Erap, Ramon Revilla Sr., Juan Ponce Enrile, and the likes. He is presented as an ambitious politician but a very loving father, especially to his favorite daughter, Rosa Camilla. He became senator and president while battling Alzheimer’s. The love story is very much Montague-Capuletesque as Rosa Camilla’s love interest, Carlito, is a member of the rival political clan. But, then, again, it is the life of Leandro Montemayor and his wives’ affairs that set the condition of everything that has happened in the series. And aside from being the first major tv series role for Iza Calzado, this is the only tv show where I have heard “punyeta” in full crispiness (delivered by Eddie Garcia while wearing a military uniform with the flag sewn upside down [because the country is in state of war]).
2. BAYAN KO, 2013
(Key people: Rocco Nacino, Pen Medina, Ping Medina, Angeli Bayani, Nessa Valdellon, Rodolfo Vera, Adolfo Alix, Jr.)
This is not a GMA Entertainment production so the budget is lesser than usual. But since it is a GMA News and Public Affairs production geared for voter education for the 2013 elections, the material, the actors, the story, the plot, and the thought it wants to offer its audience compensates for its lack of grandeur. The series is set in the municipality of Lagros where a journalist who exposed the misfits in the town was killed. The journo’s son ran for mayor – Joseph Santiago (played by Rocco Nacino) and realized what has to be done in the town. The largest pressure from the dark force is from the Governor Antonio Rubio whose son is a Congressman. Luckily, the younger Rubio has turned into The Force. From dengue, indolent government employees and citizens, unnecessary and unfairly special treatment, bidding, gambling, and much else – the series managed to encapsulate the real issues of the Philippines in this non-romantic drama with comic relief provided by Bubble Gang’s Betong Sumaya, journalist Love Añover, and witty lines delivered by bit players.
And to top the list of Political TV series, we have the Megastar playing the role of…
1. MADAM CHAIRMAN, 2013
(Key people: Sharon Cuneta, Bayani Agbayani, Jim Pebangco, Joel Lamangan, Jose Javier Reyes)
It’s good that Sharon Cuneta’s first drama series has a material written by Jose Javier Reyes. Not only is it intelligent, but it is funny and it creates connection to the target audience – the commoner. In Madam Chairman, the story starts with the old Kapitan of Barangay Santa Clara tripping while inside the toilet. He died. So, the first kagawad, Bebeth de Guzman (played by Sharon) has to take over. Unfortunately, the old Kapitan’s son, Jojo Campomanes, a fixer, will not make it an easy task for the Madam Chairman who is also a mother of three and a magkakanin. Aside from the political affairs she has to deal with every episode, she has to battle out her issues with her family (especially her husband’s mistress) and with herself. Unlike Joey Reyes’ Abangan ang Susunod Na Kabanata, the series Madam Chairman is more positive and less satirical. This shows more daily truth and daily obstacles normal Filipinos face. The Filipino culture at its grassroots is artfully sewn in each episode. The series should grow closer to the heart of many Filipinos – especially the mass – because this ‘reality’ show is more ‘human’. It is more common for us to meet a barangay Captain than to rub elbows and meddle with the affairs of a mayor, a congressman, a governor, or a senator. But, in this political dramedy, you’d still get to understand how dirty the system is and how one should act in times of opportunity to change it – even in the simplest way.
There is still hope for Philippine television.
fernandezjrp 