Eric Quizon, siblings learn to compromise

DOLPHY’S sons (from left): Eric, Epy and Ronnie Quizon photo by ARNOLD ALMACEN

Actor-director Eric Quizon, son of the late Comedy King Dolphy, admitted there had been disagreements among him and his 17 siblings, but they somehow “always ended up getting along.”

Quizon said the secret to maintaining a harmonious relationship with Dolphy’s other children was “striking a balance between their interests and mine.”

He said, “We are all rightful heirs to my father’s estate, but we have different family backgrounds… Since I’m the ‘fixer’ in the group, I took it upon myself to make sure everyone agrees to a compromise.”

Quizon is one of six directors who will handle ABS-CBN’s legal drama program, “Ipaglaban Mo,” to be relaunched on Saturday. The show, last seen in 1998, is cohosted by lawyer and newspaper columnist Jose Sison and his son Jopet.

Settlement

Quizon said he was never involved in a legal battle, “but I guess one has to really go through it at some point in his life.” He said he once filed a case but later withdrew it after an out-of-court settlement.

“It was resolved because I realized that I didn’t want to subject the people I love to undue stress. We all know that a legal case in the Philippines takes years [before] a court decision [is issued],” said Quizon, refusing to elaborate on the case. “As much as possible, I try to fix things. However, if I really need legal help, like in this particular case, I’d willingly go to court.”

Quizon worked on the episode “Dalawang Ama,” with young actress Ella Cruz, who plays a rape victim. “The episode was a challenge… I had to be extremely careful in dealing with sensitive issues (involved in) reporting a rape case on television. I also had to consider the program’s early afternoon time slot,” he said.

All the stories in “Ipaglaban Mo” were based on true accounts, according to business unit head Ruel Bayani. “They are all cases (that had been decided on) by the Supreme Court,” he said.

The premiere episode, Emmanuel Palo’s “Hindi Ko Sinasadya, Yaya,” tackles children’s rights and the age of discernment through the story of seven-year-old RJ (played by Izzy Canillo), who accidentally shot dead his nanny Miling (Shamaine Buencamino).

Top-rating

“Ipaglaban Mo,” which first aired on IBC 13 in 1988, was one of the top-rating programs in the 1990s. The show was such a hit that the line “kapag may katwiran, ipaglaban mo” has remained popular.

Lino Cayetano directed the episode “Kailan Mo Ako Mapapatawad?” which is about illegal possession of drugs and firearms. Cayetano, who comes from a family of politicians and lawmakers, said he grew up watching the program.

“Its slogan has (gone) beyond the legal battlefield. It has become a household term,” he said. “Many of us have no experience or background in the legal system, but there are many circumstances when we draw strength from that slogan to fight for our rights. The beauty of the show is that, on one hand, it’s all about legal dealings. On the other hand, it’s about the human spirit, about fighting for what you believe is right.”

Erik Salud worked with comedienne Pokwang on the episode “Tinupad ang Hula,” which deals with murder. Ricky Rivero’s “Binawing Pangako,” a story about the breach of promise to marry, features Melissa Ricks. The episode on custody battle,  “Kay Tatay,” was megged by Rechie del Carmen.

“Ipaglaban Mo” airs every Saturday after “It’s Showtime.”

(E-mail [email protected].)