Batang Quiapo in Hot Water: Election Lawyer Slams Show for ‘Fake’ Campaign Rules!

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The popular television series "FPJ's Batang Quiapo" has recently come under scrutiny following an episode that aired on March 5, 2025. In this episode, a scene depicted Manila Mayor (played by Albert Martinez) confronting Vice Mayor (portrayed by Chanda Romero) over alleged "premature campaigning." This portrayal has been criticized by election lawyer Romulo Macalintal, who urged the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to "educate" the show's production team on accurate election laws and practices. 

Macalintal highlighted that there is no existing law in the Philippines that prohibits premature campaigning. He expressed concern that such misrepresentations could lead to confusion among viewers regarding election regulations. Given that many election-related scenes were filmed at Manila City Hall, Macalintal emphasized the importance of accurate portrayals to prevent any misconceptions about the knowledge and conduct of public officials. 

This isn't the first time "Batang Quiapo" has faced criticism. In August 2024, viewers expressed concerns over the show's depiction of female characters, particularly regarding scenes involving sexual violence and abuse. Characters such as Marites (Miles Ocampo), Camille (Yuuki Takahashi), and Katherine (Ara Davao) were portrayed in distressing situations, prompting discussions about the potential negative impact of such portrayals on audiences. 

Additionally, in February 2023, the production team issued an apology to the Muslim community after a controversial scene where the protagonist, Tanggol (Coco Martin), sought refuge with a Muslim friend while evading law enforcement. This depiction was criticized for perpetuating harmful stereotypes, leading to formal apologies from the production team and acknowledgment from Senator Robinhood 'Robin' Padilla, who emphasized the importance of cultural sensitivity in media portrayals. 

In light of these incidents, Macalintal has called on Comelec to engage with the show's producers, scriptwriters, and actors to ensure that future episodes accurately reflect election laws and practices. He also suggested that the production team be reminded of regulations concerning the portrayal of firearms, given the frequent depiction of gun-related scenes in the series. Macalintal stressed that it is the responsibility of the show's creators to provide viewers with correct information to prevent confusion on critical issues such as election-related matters. 

As "Batang Quiapo" continues to capture the attention of its audience, these events underscore the significant influence of media on public perception and the imperative for responsible storytelling that respects cultural sensitivities and accurately represents legal frameworks.

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