PNP asks MTRCB: Stop ‘improper use’ of cop’s uniform in movies, on TV
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police will be coordinating with the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board following its protest over an actor in a police uniform doing a strip tease.
The controversial episode of “On the Wings of Love” has prompted the PNP, through its legal and community relations units, to sit down with the MTRCB to stop the improper use of the PNP uniform.
Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor, PNP spokesperson, said the PNP Legal Service and the Directorate for Community Relations have been tapped to work with the MTRCB on the matter.
“The PNP will write the MTRCB a letter on the episode. The PNP uniform cannot be used just like that, especially if it is degrading and does not reflect a policeman’s work and duties,” said Mayor.
Monday’s episode of OTWOL, which aired on ABS-CBN, featured James Reid as “Clark” stripping in a police uniform during a bridal shower for “Leah,” his future wife played by Nadine Lustre.
Reid wore a PNP general office uniform with a badge of the Quezon City Police District with the rank of SPO4, a senior non-commissioned officer rank.
While giddy viewers enjoyed the show, policemen and women took to social media to express their anger over what they claimed was disrespect for the police uniform they worked hard for.
For the PNP, the striptease scene of Reid wearing a police uniform did not properly reflect a policeman’s duty to enforce the law and assist citizens who need it.
“It does not mirror a policeman’s duty. The PNP uniform is sacred to policemen and policewomen,” Mayor said in a press briefing in Camp Crame on Thursday.
The PNP also appealed to the showbiz industry, particularly producers of TV shows and movies, to be careful in using police uniforms.
Mayor said producers might consult with the PNP first on the use of police uniforms in their shows.
Earlier, the Police Community Relations Group appealed to TV networks to thoroughly review scenes involving the use of uniforms of government personnel.
In a post on its Twitter account, the PCRG reminded TV networks of Article 179 in the Revised Penal Code on the illegal use of uniforms and insignia of law enforcement agents.
The illegal use of uniforms and insignia constitute usurpation of authority and is penalized by a maximum prison term of four years and two months.
The ABS-CBN has apologized for the “On the Wings of Love” episode. SFM
