Apps

Ang Probinsyano — news, coverage & facts — IJR

Former

Jaime Fabregas as P/LtGen. Delfin S. Borja

Maja Salvador as SPO1 Glenda "Glen" F. Corpuz

Agot Isidro as Verna Syquia-Tuazon

Bela Padilla as Carmen M. Guzman

Arjo Atayde as PC/Insp. Joaquin S. Tuazon

Albert Martinez as Tomas "Papa Tom" G. Tuazon

Yassi Pressman as Kapitana Alyana R. Arevalo-Dalisay

Joel Torre as Teodoro "Teddy" Arevalo

Shamaine Centenera-Buencamino as Virginia "Virgie" R. Arevalo

Edu Manzano as President Lucas Cabrera

Jhong Hilario as Homer "Alakdan" Adlawan

Sid Lucero as Maj. Manolo "Nolo" Catindig

Mark Anthony Fernandez as Brandon Cabrera

Pokwang as Amor Nieves

JC Santos as Marco Cabrera

Jolo Revilla as PSG Commander Harold Casilag

Francis Magundayao as Yohan Hidalgo

Bobby Andrews as Special Assistant to the President William Celerio

Ryza Cenon as Aubrey Hidalgo

Dawn Zulueta as First Lady Marissa Hidalgo

Alice Dixson Second Lady as Catherine V. Cabrera

Tirso Cruz III Atty. Arturo "Art" M. Padua

Marc Abaya as Jacob Serrano

Ara Mina as Ellen Padua

Very Special Participation

Lito Lapid as Romulo "Leon" Dumaguit

Very Special Role

Susan Roces as Flora "Lola Flora" S. Borja-de Leon

Eddie Garcia as Don Emilio Syquia/Señor Gustavo Torralba

JC Santos as young Emilio

Joey Marquez as Nanding Corpuz

Malou de Guzman as Lolit Fajardo-Corpuz

Mitch Valdes as Konsehala Gina Magtanggol

Eda Nolan as Brenda F. Corpuz

Belle Mariano as Rachel S. Tuazon

Beverly Salviejo as Yaya Cita Roque

Pepe Herrera as Benjamin "Benny" Dimaapi

Art Acuña as PS/Supt. Roy Carreon

Michael Roy Jornales as P/Cpt. Francisco "Chikoy" Rivera

Marc Acueza as PS/Insp. Bernardino "Dino" Robles

Rino Marco as PS/Insp. Gregorio "Greg" Sebastian

Ping Medina as Diego Sahagun

Mhyco Aquino as Lorenz Gabriel

Lander Vera Perez as Alfred Borromeo

Gary Lim as Gaspar Romero

McCoy de Leon as Juan Pablo "JP" R. Arevalo

Juliana Parizcova Segovia as Francisco/Francine

Roy "Shernan" Gaite as Gido

Pedro "Zaito" Canon Jr. as Nick

David Minemoto as David

Maika Rivera as Cassandra Jose

Introducing

Heart Ramos as Mary Grace "Gracie" Hidalgo

McNeal "Awra" Briguela as Macario "Makmak" Samonte Jr.

Recurring

Lei Andrei Navarro as Dominador "Junior" G. de Leon Jr.

Dennis Padilla as Edgar Guzman

Ana Roces as Leonora "Nora" Montano-Guzman

Brace Arquiza as Ryan M. Guzman

Elisse Joson as Lorraine Pedrosa

Kiray Celis as Mitch

Daisy Reyes as Belen Girona

Jeffrey Tam as Otep

Benj Manalo as Felipe "Pinggoy" Tanyag Jr.

Long Mejia as Francisco "Paco" Alvarado

Al Vaughn Chier Tuliao as Ricardo "Ricky Boy" A. Dalisay Jr.

Tart Carlos as Juanita "J.Lo" Burton

Xia Vigor as Keana Burton

Casting

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

To prepare for his role, Coco Martin, along with other cast members, underwent police training. Martin also attended Philippine National Police (PNP) flag-raising ceremonies to further immerse himself in the role. He trained in various martial arts and weapons handling, and performed most of his own stunts. Martin also served as the show's creative consultant and later became one of its directors.

Singer-actress Angeline Quinto was initially cast as Lily, an original character, but was later removed from the cast. Maja Salvador, who portrayed SPO1 Glenda "Glen" Corpuz, replaced her. Salvador had previously worked with Martin in the 2011 drama Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin.

In April 2016, Bela Padilla was written out of the series. She revealed that her role was originally intended to last only for the first eight weeks, but her stay was extended. Her character made brief returns in Cardo's dreams, urging him to seek justice for her death.

Veteran actor Eddie Garcia's character was first teased in the April 7, 2016 episode, during the funeral of Padilla's character. In the following episode, Garcia was introduced as Don Emilio Syquia. Between late 2016 and February 2017, Garcia was temporarily absent from the series as he was recovering from a car accident. Towards the end of Season 4, his character was seemingly killed off in a confrontation with Cardo Dalisay, but his fate was left ambiguous to allow for a potential return. Garcia sat out the entire fifth season, but reappeared in the sixth as Señor Gustavo Torralba, whose criminal operations included illegal mining and forced labour. The character met a definitive end after another encounter with Cardo nearly three years later. Ang Probinsyano was Garcia's final television project before his passing on June 20, 2019.

In August 2016, Maja Salvador exited the series following the expiration of her contract. Rumours of her return persisted in the years that followed. She was replaced by Yassi Pressman, who played Alyana Arevalo, Cardo's new love interest.

In January 2017, Pepe Herrera, who played Cardo's sidekick, left the show after migrating to New Zealand with his family.

To mark the beginning of a new story arc, new cast members were introduced, including Lito Lapid, Mark Lapid, Angel Aquino, John Arcilla, Jhong Hilario, Sid Lucero, Ronwaldo Martin, and Mitch Valdes.

In May 2017, child actor Simon Pineda exited the series.

In November 2017, Angeline Quinto made a guest appearance as Regine, a role she played until early February 2018.

In March 2018, it was announced that Rowell Santiago, Edu Manzano, Dawn Zulueta, and Alice Dixson would join the cast. Santiago returned to the role of the President, which he had previously portrayed in Tanging Yaman (2010). Manzano played Vice President Lucas Cabrera, while Zulueta and Dixson portrayed First Lady Marissa Hidalgo and Second Lady Catherine Cabrera, respectively. They were joined by JC Santos, who had earlier appeared as the young Emilio Syquia, as Marco Cabrera, and Mark Anthony Fernandez as Congressman Brandon Cabrera.

On April 17, 2018, Dreamscape Ad Prom Head Eric John Salut announced on Instagram that Ryza Cenon, who had recently transferred from rival network GMA, would join the cast as a member of the First Family. She was joined by Francis Magundayao and Heart Ramos. On the same day, it was revealed that Jolo Revilla would also join the series.

In January 2019, Ryza Cenon left the show.

In February 2019, it was reported that Lorna Tolentino would appear in Season 6. On March 11, 2019, she debuted as Lily Ann Cortez, a political operator who manipulated President Cabrera to further her own interests. Originally intended to appear for only a month, her role was continuously extended, eventually becoming one of the main antagonists of the series.

Between February and March 2019, cast members Lito Lapid, Jhong Hilario, Mark Lapid, and Edu Manzano took temporary leaves from the series to run in the 2019 midterm elections.

On September 13, 2019, Coco Martin confirmed that negotiations were underway to include Hollywood actors in the series. However, the plan was eventually shelved due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Broadcast

The series aired on weekdays through ABS-CBN's Primetime Bida block and was also broadcast internationally via The Filipino Channel (TFC).

In 2019, the series was acquired by Netflix, which streamed its first season under the international title Brothers.

On March 16, 2020, the series was placed on hiatus due to ABS-CBN's temporary programming adjustments in response to the enhanced community quarantine and production halt brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. During the hiatus, reruns of the show's first chapter aired on Jeepney TV under the title FPJ's Ang Probinsyano: Ang Simula.

Amid uncertainties following ABS-CBN's franchise expiration and a cease and desist order issued by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), ABS-CBN announced on June 4, 2020, that the series would resume airing on cable and satellite platforms through the Kapamilya Channel, Cine Mo!, and TV Plus. A special 10-episode recap aired during the first two weeks, with new episodes beginning on June 29, 2020. On June 15, 2020, the series was officially relaunched under the tagline Tuloy ang Laban, coinciding with the resumption of production activities.

Due to health and safety protocols, the production implemented a five-week lock-in taping setup, during which veteran actress Susan Roces opted not to return on-site. The production team arranged for her to film her scenes remotely from home. This was incorporated into the storyline by having her character go into hiding, separate from Cardo.

Following the recap episodes, the series' eighth season premiered on June 29, 2020. The premiere was livestreamed via Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Beginning July 14, 2020, Ang Probinsyano started regular livestreams on YouTube, with its debut stream reaching 56,000 live viewers.

On October 10, 2020, the show returned to free TV through A2Z Channel 11, operated by the ZOE Broadcasting Network in partnership with ABS-CBN. It later resumed airing on TV5, operated by MediaQuest Holdings, on March 8, 2021.

On June 29, 2021, Dreamscape Entertainment announced that the series would begin airing in 41 African countries through the StarTimes PTV regional network.

Usage of Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera's family photos

The show's production team was called out online by fans of celebrity couple Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera over the allegedly unauthorized use of their family photos. The controversy began gaining traction when a fan site dedicated to their daughter Zia, ZiaDantesFanSite, ‏ posted a video with the caption:

"Zia's photo was unethically used by Ang Probinsyano in November 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."

The post was widely shared, which likely brought the matter to Dantes' attention.

Dantes then posted his response to the controversy:

"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."

In the same post, Dantes shared an excerpt from a letter he sent 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, established industry practice is against such an 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."

On August 14, 2018, the production team released a statement apologising to Dantes and his family. The statement explained that a third-party contractor had been hired to create the props, and the production team was neither aware that the photos belonged to Dantes nor intended any disrespect or offense.

The producers also stated that they had launched an investigation "to prevent a similar incident from happening in the future." Actress Alice Dixson likewise offered her apology to Dantes.

Negative portrayal of the PNP

Numerous statements from the PNP, DILG, and other agencies criticised the show's portrayal of government agencies, particularly the Philippine National Police (PNP), as part of Chapter 3 (Political Arc).

PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde, while admitting that he was a fan, criticised the portrayal of his fictional counterpart, Alejandro Terante (played by Soliman Cruz), as power-hungry and corrupt. Albayalde subsequently withdrew his support for the show. DILG Secretary Eduardo Año also voiced his displeasure over the depiction of the police force and threatened to file a case against the show's producers for the illegal use of PNP insignias and uniforms, punishable under Article 179 of the Revised Penal Code, if the show did not change its plot. Senator Panfilo Lacson, a former PNP Chief, sympathised with Albayalde, stating that the portrayal of the PNP was unfair.

Prior to the PNP's official withdrawal of support, Martin apologised to the PNP and assured them that the show had no intention to malign the organisation. Martin explained that Albayalde, who was relatively new to his post at the time, may have misunderstood the story arc and further assured that the depiction of policemen as scalawags would not be permanent. ABS-CBN also assured the PNP that it had no intention to disparage the police in this fictional work.

Many others defended the show and criticised the PNP for being overly sensitive. Among those who supported Ang Probinsyano was Senator Grace Poe, whose father starred in the original film. Poe highlighted that the show promoted positive values such as respect for elders, courage, and patriotism, and pointed out that the original film also featured corrupt policemen. She urged the PNP to see the bigger picture, emphasising that the series protagonist is a policeman. Actress Jasmine Curtis-Smith also criticised the PNP's reaction, recalling a similar incident involving Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral. The Concerned Artists of the Philippines (CAP) condemned the PNP and DILG statements as an attack on freedom of expression. Likewise, the Let's Organize for Democracy and Integrity (LODI) group slammed the PNP and urged Año and Albayalde to "look in the mirror". Many netizens also defended the show.

The MTRCB, through its chair Rachel Arenas, stated that it could not censor the show, as the agency serves as a bridge between constitutionally protected expression and the state's right to regulate. Arenas added that she saw nothing objectionable in the portrayal.

Following a meeting between Martin, the show's producers, the PNP, and the DILG, the agencies eventually expressed support for the show. ABS-CBN and the DILG jointly announced that they would continue to support Ang Probinsyano "as it continues to inspire Filipinos with the valuable lesson that in the end, good will always triumph over evil." A Memorandum of understanding was later signed between the parties.

A scene in the July 15, 2019 episode showed the rape of policewomen by the character Bungo (played by Baron Geisler). Netizens claimed that the rape and violence depicted were too graphic, while PNP members argued that the rape of uniformed officers disrespected their uniforms.

In a statement, PNP Deputy Spokesperson Lt. Col. Kimberly Molitas said that the PNP would discuss the matter with the production staff and, "[d]epending on the extent of the violation, may warn them or rescind the said MOU."

Sociocultural and political

The show was praised for integrating timely societal issues into its storylines. One critic described Ang Probinsyano as a "social commentary of our times." It was also commended for its portrayal of the polarising Philippine drug war.

However, the series received both criticism and praise for its depiction of various government agencies and their personnel.

On its February 15, 2022 episode, a fictional presidential debate was shown. This episode coincided with the actual presidential debate organised by the controversial SMNI network.

Ang Probinsyano was lauded for highlighting positive values on television, such as patriotism, the importance of prayer, acceptance of members of the LGBT community, and the central role of family in Philippine society.

The show's depiction of the characters' sentiments toward current events resonated with audiences, who found them relatable. According to sociologist Josephine Placido, the show earned the title "Pambansang Teleserye" because of the good values and life lessons it imparts.

Historian Xiao Chua observed that the show gives Filipinos hope as it follows the "light-dark-light" narrative structure typical of Philippine epic poetry, a style also used by Fernando Poe Jr. in his films. The character Cardo Dalisay was praised as a role model who was "steadfast and incorruptible."

The show also engaged with communities through outreach activities, such as leading the Oplan Balik Eskwela program, where Martin distributed school supplies to students at Paradise Farm Elementary School in Blanca.

The show produced public service announcements known as Ligtas Tips. These aired during commercial breaks, with corresponding infographics available on the show's website. In 2017, Ligtas Tips were compiled into FPJ's Ang Probinsyano Ligtas Tips, published by ABS-CBN Publishing.

The series served as an avenue for veteran actors to return to television. Many action stars were featured, owing to the decline of the action genre in cinemas. Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. praised Martin and the series as a blessing to former stars and stuntmen.

Martin also cast out-of-work actors, giving them another opportunity in show business. Among these stars were Mark Anthony Fernandez, CJ Ramos, Rhed Bustamante, Whitney Tyson, and Mystica.

The series helped revive the action genre in both film and television. Cast members Jeric Raval and Jolo Revilla thanked Martin for revitalising the genre, while action star Ronnie Ricketts credited Martin with keeping it alive.

Much like Fernando Poe Jr.'s film character, Martin's portrayal of Cardo was described as "immortal." This reputation does not stem from Cardo's fighting skills alone but from his uncanny ability to escape death. These include his "death" at the hands of Marco Cabrera (JC Santos), later revealed as a dream, and his brushes with death after encounters with Bungo (Baron Geisler) and Lito (Richard Gutierrez). These "deaths" and the series' numerous extensions made it the subject of jokes and memes among Filipino netizens. Martin himself acknowledged these memes, even posting his own, joking that the show would end in September 2048. These incidents generated strong fan reactions.

Martin described Fernando Poe Jr. as his superhero. Like Poe, Martin eventually attained superhero status in the eyes of fans. This status led to him being seen as the "face of the resistance."

As the country's top-rating and longest-running action series, Ang Probinsyano became a sought-after platform for political endorsements. The involvement started when Martin endorsed Grace Poe for President during the 2016 national elections. Martin also supported Poe in the 2019 midterm elections.

In a 2018 survey conducted by PUBLiCUS Asia, Inc., Martin was rated the most valuable celebrity endorsement to voters in Metro Manila. Earlier that year, character names from the show were used in a mock election held by the COMELEC, where Cardo Dalisay "won" as barangay chairman.

Martin and leading lady Yassi Pressman endorsed the Ang Probinsyano party-list as representatives of its youth sector. The party-list ranked fifth, securing a seat in the House of Representatives. However, former AGHAM Partylist representative Angelo Palmones contested the party-list's registration, alleging that it used the television series' name to skirt regulations on candidates' TV exposure.

Another controversy arose when party-list representative Alfredo de los Santos was involved in an incident in Albay where he punched a waiter. The party-list conducted an investigation, and De los Santos later apologised.

Actors with political aspirations also sought exposure in the series to boost their public profile. They had to be written off before their respective campaign periods began. Nine former cast or guest cast members ran in the 2019 midterm elections, with only Lito Lapid and Jhong Hilario winning. Grace Poe placed second in the senatorial race, and two party-list groups bearing the show's name landed in the top 10, underscoring the series' influence.