By Jose Mario De Vega

“Kaya na ba ng mga Pilipino na marinig ang katotohanan nang hindi napipikon?” – Apolinario Mabini, played by Epy Quizon in the film, Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral (2018)

I refer to the news report, “QUEZON DESCENDANT CONFRONTS TAROG, ROSALES,” (Inquirer.net, 10/24/25), concerning the whining outbursts and emotional complaint of a godson of former President Quezon regarding the movie, “Quezon.”

As per the report: Enrique “Ricky” Quezon Avanceña, grandson of former President Manuel L. Quezon, appeared visibly upset during a question-and-answer session following the screening of the epic historical film “Quezon” in Makati City on Thursday, Oct. 23. Further, the heated exchange began when he directed a question to director Jerrold Tarog, asking whether the film employed sarcastic treatment in its portrayal of the former president.

Though, I recognized to the fullest the right of Mr. Avanceña and every citizen for that matter to their inherent right to express their thoughts, feelings and disappointment, be it valid or not; in the same vein and equal importance is the aesthetics and artistic right of our political and cultural workers to recreate, depict and show in their own independent way a historical figure and/or a historical event in our history using their own lens based on historical records and available scholarship.

As an academic and as a philosopher, I have no problem with the confrontation that happened. In fact, I welcomed it and always encouraged dialogue and discourse. That is following the Voltairean tradition that I may not agree with the words you say but I will defend to death your right to say it. However, it seems to be that the said Q and A portion led to unfortunately the questioning of the messenger’s characters rather than on their intended message. Worst, that godson even question the credibility of the said film even though as per the TBA studio said that that the film is grounded in verified historical accounts, including President Quezon’s own autobiography and other reputable sources.

This should not be the way. It is not a pertinent question whether that film is a political satire or not. That is idiotic. That is as if we are asking Dr. Jose Rizal whether his Noli and Fili are wholesome or not. We must read those bloody books for us to know and decide for ourselves. In the same vein, I concur with the creators of this film that: We encourage everyone to watch the movie so they can form their own opinions and join the ongoing conversation about the film, our history, and how it continues to resonate today.

That single movie about Quezon will not determine who the hell he is, rather that film is a mere guide or an added source for all of us to further study and dig his life into its full picture and complete complexity.

It is a well-entrenched rule in our jurisprudence that the freedom to believe includes the freedom not to believe. That freedom to have an opinion includes the freedom to discard, modify or change it on account of newly discovered truths whether by evidence or by common sense and by the power of reason.

That godson and others like him may not like the film, “Quezon,” due to their alleged claim that it incompletely stated an intricate details about the life of the former president. If that is their complaint, then my suggestion to them is to hire Director Lav Diaz to shoot and create a TEN (10) hours super bio epic with a single interregnum or if they wish, no intermission whatsoever so that ALL the minutest details about their beloved grandfather and grandmother can be shown. Undeniably that is not the aim of the creator of this film. As per their statement:

To support further learning, the production has released a Study Guide and Companion Book with a comprehensive list of the books and references used in the film’s research.

My objective in writing this letter is clear. It is in defense of the freedom of expression whether they are political, aesthetic or artistic. In the immortal words of George Orwell, “If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.” For in protecting the very ideas that we love and cherish, we must extend the same protection to those ideas that he hates and detests. Let the People themselves think and decide for themselves. Let a thousand flowers bloom.

Jose Mario De Vega is an educator for higher learning who pushes for social change not only in Philippine society but more over for government accountability. He is also a published author of multiple books, and currently a contributing writer for South East Asia Weekly news.