PHL protests portrayal of 'president' in US hit show
The Philippine Embassy in Washington wrote CBS Corp. to strongly protest the highly negative depiction of a character purported to be the Philippine President in the next episode of TV series Madam Secretary, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday said.
The trailer of Season 3 Episode 15 “Break in Diplomacy” shows the character which was described in the episode’s synopsis as the “Philippines’ unconventional new president” exhibiting inappropriate behavior towards the female lead character, US Secretary of State Elizabeth McCord.
In a text message to reporters, DFA spokesman and Assistant Secretary Charles Jose said, “our embassy formally asked CBS to rectify the bad impression and make the necessary corrective action.”
The episode is scheduled to air on Sunday, March 12, 2017.
The Embassy wrote, “While Madam Secretary is a work of fiction, it tracks and mirrors current events. It is, therefore, inevitable that its depiction of world leaders will have an impact on how its audience views the real personages and the countries they represent.
“This highly negative portrayal of our Head of State not only casts doubt on the respectability of the Office of the Philippine President but also denigrates that way our nation navigates foreign affairs.
“It also tarnishes the Philippines’ longstanding advocacy for women’s rights and gender equality.
“In view of the injurious effects that this program will have on the interests of the Philippines and the Filipino people, the Philippine Embassy urgently calls on CBS to take the necessary corrective actions.” (PNA)
