MANILA, Philippines – Action star Lito Lapid’s character has died in ABS-CBN’s action drama series “Ang Probinsyano,” a day before the start of the official campaign for national candidates.
The campaign period for national candidates kicked off on Tuesday, Feb. 12.
Lapid, a former senator, is eyeing a Senate comeback.
Lapid’s character, Romulo, died during the show’s episode on Monday, February 11.
Romulo was slain by Jhong Hilario’s character, Homer alias “Alakdan.”
According to the Commission on Elections (Comelec), appearances in non-news programs would be considered advertising time.
Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez previously said that national candidates only have 120 minutes or 2 hours per television station and 180 minutes or 2 hours and 30 minutes for radio stations advertisements.
READ: Comelec: Candidates’ presence in non-news shows deemed ‘advertising time’
Meanwhile, the producer of “Ang Probinsyano”, Dreamscape Entertainment thanked Lapid for his participation in the primetime teleserye.
“Paalam, Pinuno. Maraming salamat sa pagiging bahagi ng FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, Mr. Lito Lapid! Isa kang ALAMAT NG AKSYON!” Dreamscape’s Instagram post on Monday read.
Yassi Pressman, on the other hand, shared a snapshot with the actor via Instagram and said, “Mahal ka namin, Pinuno. I love you Tito Sen, alam mo yan! Mamimiss ka naming lahat!!!” / gsg