Tirso Cruz III is new FDCP head

Tirso Cruz III took his oath as the new head of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) before President Bongbong Marcos in Malacañang Palace on Tuesday. He replaced Liza Diño who led the national film agency for six years since 2016.

Though Diño said that she didn’t receive, as of Tuesday, any official communication from the Office of the President, she assured a smooth transition and turnover of FDCP to the reins of the showbiz veteran.

Cruz, 70, is best-known for starring in such movies as Kahit Buhay Ko…, Bilangin Mo ang Bituin sa Langit, Honor Thy Father, among others, and the long-running action drama FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano.

The change in leadership came as a surprise to some members in the community after Diño was reappointed by then President Duterte for a fresh three-year term as FDCP chairperson and CEO last March.

In a Facebook live on Tuesday night, she said, “Hi, everyone, I’m still here at the office. I just want to let you know that the agency has also read the latest development regarding the chairmanship of the FDCP online. And while we haven’t received any official communication from the Office of the President, we are preparing for a smooth process in the transition and turnover of FDCP to our new chair.”

Cruz, meanwhile, has yet to issue an official statement on his appointment, but he was among those who had their oath-taking on Tuesday, along with fellow veteran actor Juan Revilla as board member of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB).

Cruz was joined by his wife, Lynn Ynchausti, and daughter Djanin. Sources said that right after the ceremony, the veteran star was on his way back to finish his shoot for Ang Probinsyano.

Meanwhile, Cinemalaya main competition and monitoring committee chair, direk Joey Reyes, who was earlier pictured in what appeared to be a consultative meeting with the new FDCP chair, hinted in an interview, during the Cinemalaya 2022 launch yesterday, at what to expect under the leadership of Cruz.

Reyes said Cruz will be looking at which programs from the previous FDCP administration will be continued.

Asked about the status of the annual film festival, he said, “Di pa namin masasagot kung itutuloy ang Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino. Sa ngayon, ang importante ano talaga ang mas malaking problema ng industriyang pelikulang Pilipino at i-address at pagtutulungan ng FDCP, at hindi yun sa pamamagitan sa pag-aayuda. I’ve always believed in sustainability to help the industry, and not (in) a band-aid sort of solution.”

Ice Seguerra, on the other hand, took to social media to express support for his wife Diño following the latest developments.

“We’re still processing things because we just found out through social media about Liza being replaced as FDCP chair. Though her term is still good for another three years, we respect the decision of the President,” he wrote.

Diño herself said she will be welcoming Cruz personally when he finally comes to the FDCP office. “We will welcome him, pagdating na pagdating niya dito,” she said in her video.

She also thanked those who sent in messages of support. “I just want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for all your support and your messages. Thank you so much for your love and support.” — with Charmie Joy Pagulong