by Connie Calipay/PNA
Veteran actor Rez Cortes on Thursday called on the authorities to come up with and release drug lists on other professionals and not only showbiz personalities.
“Why single us out? If they insist on releasing the names of the showbiz personalities, they might as well release the names of other professionals like doctors, dentist, teachers, (and) judges (who are) also on their drug watchlist,” Cortes said.
Cortes was reacting to the threat of authorities to release the names of movie and television actors and actresses allegedly into drugs.
He said it would be unfair as it could destroy the image and reputation of the person.
“We are not politicians, we were not voted (in) by the people, and we are not public servants,” said Cortes, a Bicolano actor and former president of the Movie Actors Guild.
Cortes was the keynote speaker at the launching of the Bicol Film Festival, where individuals, filmmakers, and film enthusiast in Bicol can submit entries for the 2019 Bicol Film Fest set on July 28 this year.
Asked how many movie personalities are into drugs, Cortes said two years ago, then Philippine National Police chief Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa gave him a list containing 57 names of actors and actresses who are allegedly drug users or peddling drugs.
In defending members of the movie industry, Cortes said most of the actors and actresses are now health buffs and only a few are into drugs.
Citing the drug and alcohol abuse case of actor Baron Geisler, Cortes said members of the movie industry have helped Geisler to undergo rehabilitation, saying his colleagues are ready to assist movie personalities who are suffering addiction.
