New censors chief faces tough balancing act

MANILA, Philippines - It's her first time to join government but Grace Poe-Llamanzares believes she has what it takes to become an effective chairwoman of the Movie Television Review And Classification Board, the official censors board of government.

In an interview on ABS-CBN's "Umagang Kay Ganda", Llamanzares said she is honored to serve government in this capacity. Llamanzares, who was raised by parents Susan Roces and the late action king Fernando Poe Junior, also spoke about her parentage, her qualifications and the demands of the job.

"Dahil kaunaunahang pagkakataon ito medyo kabado ako pero ikinararangal ko rin. Malaking bagay ito na makatulong sa mga Pilipino at sa industriya na malapit sa aking mga magulang. Ang industriya ng pelikula at telebisyong ang nagtaguyod sa akin. Alam ko ang hamon ng isang manlilikha alam ko yung kakulangan at kabutihan na maidudulot," she said.

Balancing act

Llamanzares admitted keeping the industry in check would be a tough balancing act between strengthening the local TV and movie industry and protecting the rights of viewers.

"It's very important to protect the rights of the artists because whether its an expression we agree with or not it is something that we can learn from so I believe we should protect the artist but we should also protect the members of society especially the children and the parents," she said.

She vowed to be fair to all industry stakeholders despite her supposed closeness to some sectors in the movie industry.

"Dapat malaman ng mga miyembro ng industrya na madali kaming ma-aproach at makausap. Kung magiging mas pabor ako sa kanila, sa tingin ko ang gusto ko ma-achieve ay maging patas. Kung may decision silang hindi matatanggap, hindi lang naman ako 30 ang kasapi ng board. Siguro pag nalaman nilang patas ang pananaw, matatanggap rin nila yon," she said.

Turnover

Llamanzares said she plans to pay a courtesy visit to outgoing MTRCB Chair Consoliza Laguardia for a proper transition, even as she has not been a given starting date to take on her new task.

"Officially, hindi pa nagbibigay ng takdang oras kung kailan ako magsisimula sa tanggapan pero gusto ko magbigay ng kortesiya kay Chairman Laguardia para magkaroon kami ng smooth transition sa pagkakaroon ng bagong miyembro ng ahensiya."

Asked about her favorite movie treat, Llamanzares admits she's a popcorn and cheese fan.

"Kaya pag labas [ko] ng pelikula kulay orange o dilaw na yung kamay [ko]," she said.

Caroline Howard, ABS-CBN News