No single person can save PH, says 'Heneral Luna' director

ABS-CBN News

Posted at 19 Apr 2016 04:56 PM | Updated as of 19 Apr 2016 06:05 PM

John Arcilla as the feisty Antonio Luna for Jerrold Tarog's film, 'Heneral Luna.' The film recounts the hero's life and death during the Philippine-American war

MANILA - Jerrold Tarog, the director of the acclaimed biopic "Heneral Luna," has criticized Filipinos who hail their candidate of choice for the upcoming presidential elections as a "savior" who will "magically transform this ailing country."

On his Facebook page on Tuesday, Tarog published a note entitled "There Is No Modern Day Heneral Luna" to not only disassociate his film with any political party or candidate for any elective position, but also to remind Filipinos that no single person can fix the country's many problems.

"We want one person who will promise us that we can sit down and relax because he or she will take care of everything. There is no such person in real life," Tarog explained.

He also asked those who have been comparing Antonio Luna to their preferred bet if they are willing to attach the war hero's "tragic flaws" that led to his inevitable failure during the Philippine-American war to their candidate of choice.

"You can't just pick the virtues. If not, then you can't say someone is a modern day Heneral Luna. There shouldn't be one in the first place," he wrote. "Because if you're still looking for a hero outside of yourself, we continue to fail as a nation."

Tarog concluded his note by urging Filipinos to do their part in "cleaning the country" and to pick a candidate that best represents their ideals and not just their wishes.

Paulo Avelino (Left) poses with 'Heneral Luna' director Jerrold Tarog.' Avelino portrays Gregorio del Pilar in the film. Photo from the film's Facebook page

The national elections will be held on May 9 with Jejomar Binay, Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Rodrigo Duterte, Grace Poe and Mar Roxas all running for president.

Since the start of the campaign period last February, each of the candidates have boasted about their plans for the country. Duterte claimed that he will rid the country of crime in six months, while Roxas promised continue the current administration's "Daang Matuwid" platform.

Binay said that he will replicate his success in transforming Makati City into the country's largest business district, while Poe, if elected, promised to make Filipinos feel secure in just her first month in office.

For more in-depth looks into each of the candidates' platforms and promises, visit our Halalan 2016 page containing all the latest reports about the upcoming election.