MANILA – As they gear up for the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2025 entry Manila’s Finest, actors Piolo Pascual and Cedrick Juan – both portraying police officers in the film set during 1969 Manila – opened up about heavy societal issues like the death penalty and police brutality. Their candid takes came during the movie’s grand media launch and interviews, blending thoughtful nuance with the film’s themes of crime, politics, and moral dilemmas.
Pascual, stepping into the role of Capt. Homer Magtibay, approached the death penalty with measured caution. When asked for his stance, he laughed off the pressure at first: “Grabe naman ‘yun! Ang hirap namang sagutin non! Kaya nga ako nag-artista.” (That’s tough! That’s why I became an actor.) He acknowledged the complexity, saying it depends on the crime’s severity, especially for acts against humanity, and referenced biblical “an eye for an eye.” Yet, he expressed doubt on its deterrent effect today: “Hindi ko alam kung paano dapat takutin pa ‘yung mga tao. I think there really should come a time na magkaroon ng takot ang tao.” (I don’t know how to scare people more. There should be fear.) Pascual deferred to lawmakers, adding he has no firm personal view as long as decisions benefit the people.
Juan, playing 1st Lt. Billy Ojeda, shifted to police brutality, contrasting the film’s Philippine Constabulary with modern forces. He stressed adherence to the motto “to serve the country and the people,” calling for a strong force to maintain peace, combat corruption, and protect citizens. “Kasi ano ba yung pinaka motto nila? To serve the country and the people. So sana ‘yun. Kailangan talaga may malaking kwersa na tumutulong para ‘yung peace and order and para malabanan natin ‘yung corruption kasi sobrang apetado tayo lahat.” (That’s their motto: To serve the country and the people. We need a strong force for peace and order, to fight corruption – we’re all affected.)
Directed by Raymond Red and produced by MQuest Ventures, Manila’s Finest delves into rising crime and ethical gray areas through the duo’s partnership. Their comments add real-world weight to the film’s narrative, sparking discussions on justice and law enforcement in today’s context.
In a landscape of sensitive topics, Pascual and Juan’s balanced views highlight the power of cinema to provoke thought – proving art can mirror society’s toughest questions without easy answers.