Quezon (2025) Movie Script
Thank you, Manoling.
You're a fast learner.
Finally, the days
of the Governor-General are behind us.
We gave you our full support.
Please don't forget the support
we gave you in Cavite.
Come, let me introduce you to my friends.
There's a time for that, buddy.
Carmen.
Lovely.
I cannot thank you enough, my goddaughter.
We need to talk.
At the right time, my friend.
Come to the Palace in two days
as an official guest.
In the meantime, let us enjoy the night
or let me enjoy the night.
Your godmother.
I am so tired of this game.
I mean it.
Once I'm done with my six-year term,
you'll be the president of the Republic.
I'll see crows turn white first
before you say no to power.
All I want is to see
the birth of the Republic.
My dear, we will.
Protests in Cavite are growing.
General Aguinaldo says you cheated.
Long live Aguinaldo!
You're our true president!
-Long live!
-Long live!
If the elections had been clean,
if there had been no collusion
within the government,
if no one abused their power,
we would've had a different outcome.
The people know this.
Quezon is a cheat! Oust him!
-He's a fraud!
-Oust him!
We must fight back!
Shoot that cheating Manuel Quezon.
I will take the first shot
with my own gun.
Kill Quezon!
-Kill Quezon!
-Shoot him!
I don't want any bloodshed.
Does he have evidence?
I'm sorry, Papa.
You did nothing wrong.
He commissioned you to make those films.
You were just doing your job.
And you did it well.
I did the second version.
I followed Uncle Miguel's suggestion.
No one's seen it yet.
Why did you do it?
I was so mad after Alerta was shut down.
Uncle Miguel said you needed ammunition.
But I don't want you
to get into more trouble.
The election's over. He won.
What else can he do to me?
-Take care, Brother Manuel.
-Take care, Brother Manuel.
Doro.
I heard you're surrendering.
They're fellow soldiers.
Came all the way from Ilocos.
I'm Manuel Quezon.
I'm Rusca.
Eduardo Rusca.
This is Joven.
What happened to him?
He was in the Battle of Tirad Pass.
He's a journalist and photographer.
He risked his life like General Goyo.
Looks like he fought well.
I fell--
He fell deeply in love with the cause.
I salute you, soldier.
Don't spend this.
Let it be a reminder
that our principles are all we have.
Find me when you get better.
How? Where?
Just remember my name.
Manuel Luis Quezon.
I'll make that name famous.
Mr. President, Joven Hernando is here.
Please give this to my goddaughter.
Take good care of her.
There aren't too many
female filmmakers around.
I'm sure the film industry
is going to blow up soon.
What about the newspaper industry?
Still toying with it?
Has the fight begun?
We haven't had coffee yet.
You shut down my business. For what?
So all you'll read about
in the papers are praises.
It's too early for drama.
I had nothing to do with Alerta's closing.
Why would I do that?
It was your friend who bought the company.
He's a businessman.
We really can't write
bad things about you, can we?
You admit to slander?
It's not wrong to write about the truth.
Give me back Alerta.
I had nothing to do with it.
Joven, just focus on the movies.
You have a theater in Avenida, right?
Like I said,
that industry is going to be huge.
There's a new American studio,
the one owned by Harris and Eddie Tait.
State-of-the-art equipment,
better than what that damn Nepomuceno
or Salumbides have.
And you have Nadia.
She's going to go far.
There are so many opportunities
in the movies.
For campaigning.
I'm after the truth, not fiction.
What my daughter did,
that was just to make you look good.
Joven, I can't bring independence
to this country if people knew
what really went on in the government.
A government of liars?
My God.
Have you not read Plato?
Noble mentira. "The noble lie."
Have you not read Aristotle?
Mill? Rousseau?
Kant?
Truth is the foundation
of an orderly and just society.
Full house!
I fold!
Goddammit, my friend.
Let's not fight over philosophy
and ethics.
I can't use abstract virtues in real life.
Truth is a great ideal,
but you can't always use it to rule.
We have to balance things out.
In statecraft, what matters is the goal.
What is the goal?
Independence, my boy!
Joven.
I love this country.
But if I want change,
I need power.
Sometimes, I have to get my hands dirty.
Now that I'm telling you the truth,
you can't stand it.
I can face the truth.
I've been following you
since you were a lawyer.
I watched you become governor
despite the odds.
I saw how you championed independence,
how you were hailed a hero
after securing the Jones Law,
and how you became Senate President
because of that.
I watched you become president
after the Tydings-McDuffie Act.
But it's all a game!
Puzzle pieces
that formed only one picture,
you, and that's what I can't stand!
Joven.
We need trade-offs in this job.
Compromise.
Compromises are fine.
The question is, who benefits from them?
You self-righteous prick!
Are you still in college?
You're all theory.
Can't you just be happy
that we're so close to independence?
Goddammit.
Last year, we couldn't even fathom
having a Filipino president.
Yeah, I'm a prick.
Don't spend this.
Let this be a reminder.
You'll close the balcony?
Ah, no.
Just the furthest back.
That's where we'll build
the projection room.
God, you'll tear down the walls?
Oh, Uncle Eduardo,
you're still in love with vaudeville.
Not really.
I just feel bad about the building.
It's been here for so long.
Pa, where have you been?
In the monster's lair.
Did you two talk?
Is he giving back Alerta?
I doubt it.
Did you really make
two versions of the film?
One where he's the hero,
and another one that's more honest.
-For which stories?
-All of them.
The budget was enough.
Show me.
Okay!
Hey, you wanna watch a movie?
I've seen this already.
He became Senate President
because of the Jones Law
while Osmea became Speaker of the House.
Then it goes
Hold on. It's coming. Version two!
My fellow countrymen,
today is a great day for the nation!
Independence is finally within reach!
We've waited for many years.
I will spend my whole--
-What's the criteria?
-What?
For America to decide
that our government is stable?
When will they know?
It wasn't stated in the Jones Law.
Let's just be happy
for this small step, Uncle Miguel.
He can't help criticizing things.
He's always been that way.
The loyal sidekick.
If he's not an ally
to Quezon's march to the throne,
he's an obstacle.
It just depends on the day.
How many times did they fight and make up?
More than you and your girlfriend.
Oh, god!
Those two are worse than a married couple.
It is my pleasure to announce
that the Aguinaldo Pension Law,
which grants our great general
a lifetime pension
of 12,000 pesos a month,
has now been enacted.
This is our way of expressing gratitude
for all that he's done for our nation.
Long live the President
of the Veterans of the Revolution!
-Long live!
-Long live!
Long live El Presidente!
-Long live!
-Long live!
I look forward to our independence,
even if the United States
has not committed to any date yet.
We're getting there. Slowly.
As long as the Senate
and the Lower House are working together,
and no one's monopolizing
the passage of laws.
Isn't that right, Serging?
True. Especially if the Senate
has time to talk and is not wasting it
on social engagements
and other diversions.
Let go of me!
Who is she?
I want to talk to him.
As I was saying,
let's not waste our time on--
I don't know that woman.
I wasn't talking about her.
Who is she?
I trust that you're all
working diligently.
I'm already happy living
as a farmer in Paliparan.
Thanks to you.
I don't think I can face
the Americans anymore.
No problem. Leave it to us.
We formed the Council of State
with some Cabinet members.
Whatever the Americans say,
we Filipinos have a voice.
Doesn't that go against the Jones Law?
As long as Serging and I stand arm-in-arm,
and Francis Harrison is
the Governor-General,
we won't have a problem.
LEONARD WOOD IS THE NEW GOVERNOR-GENERAL
He wants to know
if you are all for independence.
I agree with everyone here.
We want independence
in the shortest time possible.
Do you understand
the meaning of independence?
Oh, yes!
I hear it's good enough to eat.
He's not wrong.
But why make Leonard Wood
Governor-General?
He's the one who led that massacre in Jolo
that killed nearly a thousand Moros.
I worry about the implications
for Osmea and Quezon.
What do you mean?
They're going to blame each other.
That son of a bitch!
Why me? This is all Sergio's fault!
He's been in the Lower House
for six years.
Everything had to go through him,
but nothing good came out of it.
Manolo!
What's the wager this time,
friends or foes?
-Foes.
-All right.
I love this job.
Now he shows his true colors.
He wants a fight? I'll give it to him.
The nerve of him to blame me
when he's the one on top.
Who do we hold accountable
for such a widespread catastrophe?
The leader!
This wouldn't have happened
if we had a solid, single leadership.
One person to speak
and act on behalf of the Legislature!
You realize these are the words
of a dictator.
We don't need dictators.
Right now, all decisions,
from appointments to governance,
have to go through Serging.
The Senate is not a rubber stamp.
Viva Unipersonalitas!
Viva Colectivistas!
You?
He got to single leadership first.
It's always black and white.
Those are just terms.
What matters is that I get more allies
to silence Serging and Wood.
A chameleon, huh?
That son of a bitch.
But you are good at deception.
Remember Hong Kong?
I thought we were there for just a layover
before heading to America.
I had no idea you intended to marry me.
You wanted to get married too.
Right?
Yes, but
I had no idea you were engaged
to four other women.
But I chose to marry you.
I know.
I love you, but
you are a chameleon.
Don't deny it.
How come it sounds different
when you say it?
I just don't want to start hearing
about children outside of this marriage.
I already have my hands full
with our children.
Add to that all the man-babies
in the Legislature.
I'm doing the right thing, am I not?
You do believe
in my capacity as a senator?
I believe that you believe
you're doing the right thing.
I can't take on Sergio and Wood
at the same time.
I need to focus on my friend first.
How?
I'm a chameleon, right?
span style="s0"There's a coming election
for the Senate and the Lower House./span
I have a chance to play my favorite game.
Seor Manolo!
Tommy.
Need money again?
Not really.
I'm just short a thousand pesos.
I need it for a new set of false teeth.
Son of a bitch.
You're sick.
I don't think so.
Take it easy with the women.
Choose carefully.
How? You took all the pretty ones already.
Shut your mouth.
Is it true Roxas is running for
Speaker of the House?
Yes.
Who else is running aside from Serging?
Tonio De Las Alas.
Easy.
Uh, Manolo, can you add another thousand?
Manolo!
Buddy! Good of you to drop by.
Tony De Las Alas.
Survey?
Trying to see
if we're standing on solid ground.
Tony.
I heard you wanted to run
as Speaker of the House.
That means I can't help you out with
that Cabinet position you've been wanting.
What? But--
Think about it.
There's a long line behind you.
Think about it, okay?
Namesake!
Son of a bitch.
No need to be so formal, Manoling.
I hear you have a good chance
of becoming Speaker of the House.
You've become quite popular.
You remind me of myself
when I was your age.
You play poker?
I can learn.
What are you cooking up now?
Calm down.
I'm not cooking anything.
I'm tired of this game, my dear.
I've heard that before.
I'm serious.
My wife and I were talking last night
about my resignation as Senate President.
I need to get better.
For six years,
he led the party and Congress.
But what happened?
Who's going to resign first?
Osmea.
Let's be honest here.
Osmea is not fit to be a leader.
He just told me
he was considering resigning,
yet here he goes again.
If that's what he really thinks of me,
I might as well
resign as Council of State
and Speaker of the House!
I'm gonna go broke at this rate.
And if he has any honor in him,
I dare him to resign as well!
This is hilarious.
We're wasting time here.
-This is how we pay our bills.
-I'll find another job.
Will your resignations still be in effect?
If Serging wants his position back,
the elections are near.
Let the Legislature
put deserving people
in their proper places.
I think Quezon
has all his pieces in place.
I'm going to run for Senate.
I think I'll be useless in Congress.
I could run for Senate President if
Manuel is serious about not coming back.
You're going to get in trouble!
I remember this.
He was fighting with
this Governor-General
Leonard Wood.
It's a complicated story.
Was it ever simple?
Remember Ray Conley?
Did you put Conley here?
Up next!
Monching, we can't let this pass.
That Conley is out of bounds.
Who does he think he is?
Does he know who we are?
We'll fix this, my friend.
Of course, that was my scoop.
You know what to do.
Mr. Hernando.
Do you want a tip?
There's a bigger story behind this.
You'd think this Conley guy
is pretty sharp,
but truth is,
we have something against him.
Conley's known to clean up crime,
but he's actually a corrupt cop.
Smile.
He takes bribes.
span style="s0"He'll raid a joint
then expect them to pay up./span
It's his racket.
I published it in Alerta.
Everybody else picked it up.
Did you hear how much he made
from that Chinese businessman last time?
After Conley got the right amount,
he stopped bothering the man.
DET. CONLEY, MPD, CHARGED WITH BRIBERY
You got duped.
I won't deny that.
Now that's something.
span style="s0"They had the Governor-General
proclaiming Conley's innocence./span
Hello. This is Alerta.
CONLEY REINSTATED BY WOOD!
That's when the war of words started.
So Nadia filmed them, after all.
God, the Hernandos.
What did you see?
A lot.
Stuff about the Jones Law,
your fight with Osmea,
and about Leonard Wood.
Leonard.
I remember the day Monching
knocked on my door to ask for help.
Don't worry, you won't catch it.
Come in.
I need your help.
Is it true what we heard?
You all resigned?
They all resigned. Now what?
I don't know.
I don't think they know either.
span style="s0"My resignation won't mean anything
if Wood doesn't step down./span
He wasn't swayed by your act?
I need to steer public opinion
against him.
I need stronger allies.
Sweetheart, your health.
I'm okay.
The drugs from America are working.
This country needs me.
-Yes, but--
-I'm the only one
who can fight for independence.
You know that.
Did you take your medicine?
Hold on.
Manoling!
Manolo?
Jesus Christ, you'll give me
a heart attack.
My man, pack your bags.
You need to sail to the US.
Talk to President Coolidge.
Ask him to remove
that son of a bitch Wood from his post.
Are you serious?
I don't make goddamn jokes
at this ungodly hour.
Right away!
I want to see snow.
Not ready yet?
Our interview with Osmea is at three.
Go on without me.
What happened?
I'm tired.
Tired?
Of everything.
I want to retire.
Uncle Miguel.
You want to talk about it?
We have time.
You've been friends with Quezon
for how long?
Since he was a lawyer.
It's been decades.
He's done so much for you, hasn't he?
You're running two businesses.
You're Joven Hernando.
And you're Manuel Luis Quezon.
Be careful with him.
You've seen how he uses independence
to gain power.
He plays political games,
but he means well.
This is a lovely farm, General.
I spent months cultivating
this land and planting
all sorts of crops.
I can't thank you enough
for letting me and my family
stay here for free.
It's nothing.
It's the least I can do
for someone like you.
You did well, General.
It's nice to walk around.
But
going back to our topic.
Senator
It's a very simple request.
Don't think for one moment
that I don't want independence.
We all want that.
All I'm saying is,
be careful.
If he's that good at playing games,
there might come a day
where he will use you to win.
That fucking American has gone too far.
He thinks he can push Filipinos around.
Son of a bitch.
What are you really asking?
Condemn Wood in public. Just once.
I am sure
people will listen to El Presidente.
I understand what you're saying,
but I'm not worried.
Are you sure you're not in a gilded cage?
How can you be a guardian of truth
if you can only see one side?
I'm not blind.
Maybe
your vision has gone blurry?
It's been twenty years.
The youth have forgotten the sacrifices
we and the veterans made.
You have not been forgotten.
You?
Remember the speech I gave
in Washington D.C.?
I praised your courage and patriotism.
To the Americans.
I'm happy being a farmer.
I want peace and quiet.
Just one word.
That's all I need.
Are you really retiring?
I've been in the business long enough.
Just be careful.
Beware of people who say
they will fight for you,
that what they're doing is
for your own good.
Well then, hurry up. All of you.
Son of a bitch.
This guy's no fun.
I can't get a read on him.
You know who's fun to play with?
Who?
Enteng.
Madrigal.
Exactly. That pushover.
Oh, dear.
"On behalf of the members
of the Veteranos de la Revolucion,
I express my support for
Governor-General Leonard Wood."
Motherfucker!
That fucking old geezer!
After everything I've done for him!
To think I praised him
in front of the Americans.
Stupid traitor.
Are you done?
Telegram. From Manoling in the US.
Son of a bitch. Really?
What does it say?
Coolidge won't remove Wood.
He says if I insist, it'll prove
we're not ready for independence.
Seems you've met your match.
You're giving up?
But it's going to be bloody.
Lenny.
-Long live!
-Long live!
What?
Read this.
He probably met my medicine man.
He can cure TB
with just garlic and pineapple.
What's that? What's that?
Lanzones.
Why are you eating that?
But they're delicious.
My dear.
This is for you.
What's the occasion?
Now that Leonard is gone
and his replacement is friendlier,
we can resume our fight for independence.
My body can't handle the trip.
I was hoping you and Manoling
could go to the US to secure
a new independence bill.
I have a lot on my hands.
Serging.
If you secure this,
we can run in the national elections.
Goddamn.
We'll be the strongest contenders.
A sure double win.
You'll be my vice
and I'll be the president.
Why can't I be the president?
Since the beginning,
you were Watson and I was Holmes.
I think I'm more like Sancho Panza
and you're Don Quixote.
That was his mistake.
He sent Osmea and Roxas
to secure the bill,
which means he won't get the praise.
People won't be thanking him.
Come election time,
Osmea and Roxas could run
as president and vice,
and actually win.
Son of a
Then he's toast.
That's why there's another bill.
The Tydings-McDuffie.
Quezon changed his strategy real quick.
I don't understand
how this is different from the first bill.
The difference is,
Quezon was the one who brought it home.
My dear.
Good grief.
Now
we can run as president and vice.
Serging, are you still mad?
I couldn't have done this without you.
Whatever.
Not me. And I promise you,
once I'm done being president
for six years under the Commonwealth,
you'll be my successor.
Think about it,
you will be the first president
of the free Republic.
I'm not a booger
you can roll around your fingers!
Serging.
I'm serious.
If we run, only one thing
is bound to happen.
What?
For sure, we will not lose.
My dearest.
Whose grave did you snatch this from?
From Leonard's.
Bullshit!
Your daughter's work?
No, I mean the story.
It's okay, Pa!
Where's "Body and Soul"?
Up next.
Politics.
They've been in power for years,
yet they never showed true leadership.
Why don't you show everyone
how you fought for the country?
That's asking for trouble.
No.
I'm supporting Quezon's candidacy.
Isn't that awkward?
You're a journalist.
Won't there be conflict of interest?
I'll leave the reporting to my staff.
Alerta will still be neutral.
What's important is that Quezon wins.
Hey!
You cross-eyed son of a bitch!
What are you doing here?
How is everyone?
-You know him?
-I've never seen him before.
He's a true man of the people.
There are rumors that General Aguinaldo
is considering running for president.
Any thoughts?
He's old
and dare I say,
he has regressed.
His support of Leonard Wood
was a betrayal of everything he stood for.
He should stay in retirement
along with his Veteranos,
so they can do neither good
nor bad for the country.
It's so insulting.
Even Mabini didn't stoop so low.
Who are these Veteranos anyway?
Many of them don't even know
the smell of gunpowder.
Why not take the fight to the polls?
People still remember your heroism.
You still have thousands of supporters.
You answered the motherland's call
during the revolution.
Were they really revolutionaries?
Now she needs you again.
Fuego los veteranos! Amigos de Wood!
Is it right to turn your back on her
just because you want some peace?
Fuego los veteranos! Amigos de Wood!
Aren't you a member of the Veteranos?
You can see his signature.
He is a member of the Veteranos.
-Quezon's a liar!
-Coward! Liar!
He implies that I'm a traitor,
and yet he himself praised
my patriotism and courage
against the Americans in a speech
he gave in the US.
The youth may have already forgotten us,
but the Veteranos and I fought
for the freedoms they enjoy today.
Meanwhile,
our two-faced government officials
keep preaching about independence
when in fact, they intend
to prolong our ties to America.
That's right!
I can no longer ignore
the call of my countrymen
who continue to suffer
while our leaders indulge in feasts.
I will run for the presidency
in this coming election.
-Long live Ka Miong!
-Long live!
And Raymundo Melliza
will be my vice president!
-Long live!
-Long live!
LONG LIVE QUEZON AND OSMEA
Thank you so much!
Thank you so much.
Thank you so much.
Thank you so much.
Let us recall the Jones Law,
it was supposed to promise us independence
within three years,
but Quezon pushed
for an extension of twenty-five years!
Do we want to be led by ghosts of the past
or do we want progress?
-Progress!
-Progress!
Out with the old, in with the new!
For progress!
-Long live Quezon!
-Long live!
Beware of Quezon, ladies.
He is a lying cad
who keeps many secrets from his poor wife.
What kind of leader--
Our vice president is falling apart.
He might not finish his term!
It might be best to invite the woman
and introduce her to the public.
Magnificent!
Where are the movies from Europe?
They were so good.
Now, it's all American.
Europe doesn't send their films here
as much anymore.
Aguinaldo went up
five points in the polls.
You still have a wide lead.
As it should be.
He doesn't have the machinery.
Go easy on the old man.
He's still my top opponent, sweetheart.
There's too much at stake.
I have an idea.
I heard you've been making
your own movies?
They're nothing. Just short, silent ones.
We have talkies now.
Why are you still doing silent films?
She's a huge fan of Murnau and Fritz Lang.
It's true.
Do you have equipment?
I rent from Seor Nepomuceno.
Did you see
the new Philippine Films studio?
The one by Harris and Tait?
Only from the outside.
It looks amazing. All new equipment.
I'm sure our country will soon be
the center of moviemaking in Asia.
I really hope so.
And you are right in the middle of that.
Show me your work.
Sure!
This is still a work in progress.
Now I get the Murnau influence.
Nice shot.
Who is he? The one in white.
He's charming.
He could play you in a movie.
Nadia, make short movies about my life.
All of my major achievements
since I became a lawyer up to the present.
We'll use them for the campaign.
I'll give you funds, don't worry.
I'll see if I can rent
Don Jose's equipment again.
I got you.
I'll talk to Harris and Tait.
You'll be using their equipment.
Only the best for my goddaughter.
We'll release them before the elections.
They're gonna be seen by everyone.
I want it to be like a Hollywood movie.
Make me look like Errol Flynn.
Manuel Quezon, the hero.
The answer to the country's woes!
Exactly!
Ask your papa everything
you need to know about me.
We've been through a lot.
Unfortunately.
What do you think?
You can work together on the script.
Yes, of course. Absolutely!
I have the one
where he was locked up in Intramuros,
also his victory as Governor of Tayabas.
Include the one where he prosecuted
that American landgrabber.
Francis Berry.
I got the Jones Law
and his speech against Wood.
All puff pieces for Quezon, huh?
All flattery.
It's Nadia's job.
And it's all paid.
This is a good opportunity
to examine Quezon as a politician.
That's not her job.
If she uses the money to criticize Quezon,
she'll be acting in bad faith.
Quezon has acted in bad faith many times.
That's not the point.
What if you make two versions?
One where he's the hero
And the other?
A more honest one. We're already here.
You know the true story
behind his victory as governor.
You know why he secured
the Tydings-McDuffie Act
even if there's already an earlier bill.
You also know about Ana Ricardo.
Where are we going to show these?
I don't know.
But think about it.
When he finally discards you,
at least you have ammunition.
What's ammunition if I don't have a gun?
How come Quezon has funds
for elaborate campaigns in the papers,
on the radio, and even in the movies?
How does he get to acquire property
amounting to one million pesos
while a senator's salary is only--
Can he blame me
if I'm also a good businessman?
Like you, right?
Go join your friends.
There's a magician outside.
Go ahead!
Thank you for your gift to my son.
But
is this really the value you place
on Nonong's future?
He's your godson.
Let me get that.
Friendship is priceless.
Lay down the turn, Enteng.
It's not your turn.
Whatever. Fold. Go on without me.
Excuse me, my friend.
All Aguinaldo does is moral assassination.
He's shooting blanks.
Susana?
Go to the bank right away.
Find out how much is left in my account.
What if you shatter his image as a hero
so he'll be out of the race for good?
How will he do that?
Being a hero is all about perception.
You! Put it over here.
Here.
There you go.
Careful.
Good day.
Can I have some water?
You traveled far?
Pretty much.
Thank you.
Have we met before?
You don't remember me?
In Cabanatuan.
It's been three decades.
Joven, put that aside.
My friend here has a wild story.
Was that really you?
The first to strike General Luna?
To his face.
Aguinaldo ordered us
to kill Luna in Cabanatuan.
What's your proof?
Aguinaldo sent out four telegrams
to make sure Luna will go to Cabanatuan.
He keeps denying it.
Here's one.
My conscience
wouldn't let me rest for years.
But when I heard Aguinaldo
was running for president,
I just couldn't stay quiet.
The country needs to know
that Aguinaldo destroyed the revolution.
Newspaper! Newspaper!
span style="s0"Let us remember the words
of Mabini regarding Aguinaldo./span
"The revolution failed
because it was badly led."
I've said this before
and I will say it again.
I did not give out orders
to assassinate General Luna.
Why would I have my best general killed?
What would be the point?
"Instead of supporting
those who truly served the nation,
he made them useless."
I only asked that he be closely monitored
should he do anything
against the revolutionary government.
We honor the true heroes of the Revolution
like Apolinario Mabini.
Only a fool would believe Mabini.
General Antonio Luna.
You should publish your own book
to debunk his accusations.
And most of all, on this day,
the true first president
of the First Republic,
Andres Bonifacio!
You know a good place for these posters?
Where?
In Kawit.
You've lost your mind.
Let's go.
How was I supposed to know
Aguinaldo was home?
They told me he was campaigning in Tarlac.
Did you see his face?
Hey!
You two!
Post one more over here.
Post the rest there.
Let's hand these out!
Vote for Quezon in the election!
Why should we?
We lost our jobs because of him.
Quezon is on the side
of the working class.
On our side?
He closed down Aguinaldo's farm.
We worked there!
On our side
He cannot give away what he doesn't own.
This land belongs to the government.
But you can buy it back at auction.
It's currently priced at
200,000 pesos.
What did I tell you?
He's tactless and rude.
What's next, your pension?
You also need to play dirty.
And stoop to his level?
There's no other game in this election.
Let's use the woman.
Not until we have documents to prove
Quezon is guilty of bigamy.
We won't.
What woman?
Those poor farmers.
Not only that,
but Quezon also gave his word
that the farm belonged to Aguinaldo.
For him to take it back now
I'll still vote for Quezon.
He's a sure win.
And he's good for my business.
Even the educated elites
are saying to vote for him.
Education has little to do with
what's right in this case.
It doesn't matter
how many books you've read,
or how many professors
have widened your knowledge,
you'll always have a good chance
of being duped.
But how about me?
Nobody widened my
We all think we're on the right side.
A hustler only needs to tell you
what you already believe in,
then you're hooked!
But still.
Why did Quezon
have to do that to Aguinaldo?
He already has a wide lead.
Maybe it's not enough that he wins.
Maybe it's about proving what you can do
with enough power.
Power.
It would be nice if someone really knew
how to use that to change things, right?
How about you, Nadia?
You want to change the world?
That's a young person's game, right?
Uncle Miguel said the world
changes us faster than we can change it.
What's with your family?
I'm going home.
Give me that corn.
Goodbye.
Good morning, sir!
Good morning to you too!
General.
Senator Quezon.
Where's your cassock?
It's not really appropriate
for the occasion.
Joven.
Good day, friends and people of Bataan.
There was a terrible mix-up
with the scheduled dates
of our candidates,
and as you can see,
they're all here.
To our honorable candidates, my apologies.
On the other hand, this should be fun.
Am I right?
Well then, let's not wait any longer.
From the Nacionalista Party,
Senator Manuel Quezon
and his running mate,
Senator Sergio Osmea!
At last, they've patched things up.
And to the right is
the honorable General Emilio Aguinaldo
and his running mate, Raymundo Melliza,
of the National Socialist Party!
If General Aguinaldo wins,
he'll not only become
the first president of the Philippines,
but the second as well.
And last but not the least,
we have Bishop Gregorio Aglipay
and his running mate, Norberto Nabong,
of the Communist Party of the Philippines!
I heard that, if Bishop Aglipay wins,
he'll canonize Jose Rizal into sainthood.
Is that true, Bishop?
All in good fun, dear friends.
Well then!
To make things fair,
all three have drawn lots
on the order of speeches.
First on stage is Bishop Gregorio Aglipay!
Thank you so much, Governor.
I want to remind everyone
that I resigned
from the Catholic Church long ago
due to the oppression we all know too well
from the Spaniards and the friars.
These people used the doctrines of Christ
to make themselves rich.
The current administration
has been too negligent.
The woman is here.
I asked her to come,
-just in--
-I told you no.
We don't have proof that they're married.
Their vows were sealed
by the revolutionary government.
That's enough.
And she lives in this town,
so we might as well.
The world of the greedy will soon crumble.
And I will make sure of it.
These brave words I will never take back.
I am deeply grateful to you all.
And now, let us hear from
none other than our beloved
Senator Manuel Luis Quezon!
Before anything else,
I would just like to say that if I win,
my fellow candidates are still welcome
to have lunch with me
in Malacaan anytime.
Just inform Nieto.
This campaign has been a noisy
and messy affair, I must say.
But it's all just politics.
Nothing personal.
However, I'd like to remind everyone
how crucial this election is.
Beware of people
who want to return to power
after having demonstrably failed before.
Beware of tyrants who were given
an army, a government,
and the full cooperation of
an entire nation, then wasted all of it.
And who instead
surrendered.
Democracy
is too valuable to be wasted
in the hands of a dictator.
So my fellow countrymen,
who will you choose?
I told you no--
A leader who promised us independence,
but led us to defeat,
or a leader who brought democracy
to every Filipino?
-Democracy!
-Democracy!
Democracy!
-Democracy!
-Democracy!
One more time! Democracy!
-Democracy!
-Democracy!
Not disaster!
Thank you so much, everyone.
What happened?
They revoked my pension.
I knew it.
He talks as if he only
has one opponent in this election.
You want us to be a target too?
And last but not the least,
General Emilio Aguinaldo!
Friends,
I would like to correct
the baseless accusations
hurled against me today.
I was very happy
living my life in quiet retirement
if it were not for the urging
of thousands of Filipinos
to have me run for office.
I do this out of a sense of duty,
not lust for power.
Even during the Revolution,
I never wanted to be the president.
I sent out flyers saying why
I was not qualified to be the president,
but Apolinario Mabini himself
had those flyers destroyed
and convinced me to run.
The accusation that I'm only running
to regain power is a lie.
Since the enactment of the Jones Law,
all that we've seen is a government
preoccupied with political games
while thousands of our countrymen suffer.
Our officials remained silent
and submissive
to the whims of their masters.
And in exchange for what?
Their fat-laden pensions and pork barrel.
Even here in Bagac,
there are people who suffered
because of the whims
of our government officials.
They're still letting people in.
Some of these people were abandoned
despite being promised love and support.
Who's she supposed to be?
Quezon's first wife.
Ana Ricardo.
A heartless man
who treats others like toys,
treats the leadership of a nation
the same way!
Who then is the greedy one?
Is this the leader we want
for our country?
I left her.
I left her in the jungle,
and I don't regret it one bit.
Let go of me!
Thus, my friends,
I would like to call
Son of a bitch.
I would like to call on stage
Don't you dare.
I would like to call on stage
Governor Aquino to continue the program.
Thank you very much, my countrymen.
Thank you for coming.
Give her something to eat.
Should I take her home afterwards?
Let me talk to her.
Let's give it time.
I'm sure the General
will still make use of her.
How's retirement?
Tiring. I'm busy with lots of things.
Like what?
I followed Aguinaldo's campaign.
I went to almost all of the rallies
in Manila and nearby towns.
Laguna, Cavite, Bulacan.
I couldn't go any further.
It's literally a pain in the ass.
You're voting for him?
I'm not voting at all. I just wanted
to see what it was like on the other side.
Hon.
Manolo called. Here's the address
for tomorrow's rally in Laguna.
Going to lecture me again
about supporting Quezon?
No.
I've said everything I needed to say.
But
maybe you haven't seen
everything you need to see.
Here.
Just go.
Observe.
Hold on.
Seor Hernando!
Good afternoon, sir.
We weren't expecting your company.
Thank you for coming.
Come with me.
Are the other Veteranos coming?
Yes, sir.
Miong.
We have a guest.
Good morning, sir.
Joven Hernando.
Thank you for joining us.
You're only here to observe, aren't you?
I don't think you'll write
about us in your paper.
I'm not here as a journalist.
I understand.
It's too bad because
this is an important day for us.
This is where the General was proclaimed
as the President of the First Republic.
He celebrates this every year.
-Long live Quezon!
-Long live democracy!
What's going on?
I heard there are some
Quezon supporters in this town.
What are they doing?
All together!
Long live Quezon!
Long live democracy!
Long live independence!
-Long live!
-Long live!
-Long live!
-Long live!
ANDRES IS THE FIRST PRESIDENOF THE PHILIPPINES
CONDEMN THE KILLER OF LUNA AND BONIFACIO
TRAITOR!
Ungrateful scoundrels!
He fought for you.
He fought for all of you!
I don't want to set foot here ever again.
You!
What are you doing here?
Hey!
I know him.
I interviewed him before.
That son of a bitch?
Do you know he's Quezon's
sergeant-at-arms in the Senate?
Pedro Janolino.
I need to talk to him.
What about?
Pedro Janolino.
Sir, you can see the Senator
is preoccupied.
It's an important meeting.
He's just playing poker.
Doesn't mean the meeting's not important.
For decades,
span style="s0"we have witnessed the rise
of the great Manuel Luis Quezon/span
to the peak of political power.
Despite his failing health,
span style="s0"he emerged as the most obvious choice
for President of the Commonwealth./span
But at what cost?
span style="s0"Instead of readying the country
for independence/span
by strengthening its foundations,
span style="s0"Quezon played too many political games
for his own survival,/span
span style="s0"and in the process, planted the seeds
of patronage politics/span
Over here is sugar
or the spoils system.
Once this has been established,
span style="s0"this system may be impossible
to weed out in a culture/span
span style="s0"that is so enamored
with debts of gratitude./span
Quezon may not have invented the game,
span style="s0"but he sure played it
to the best of his abilities./span
"Body and Soul"?
Up next.
span style="s0"We fought so much
for this thing called independence,/span
span style="s0"but was it really
within reach from the start?/span
span style="s0"Or was it just games
between the conquerors and the conquered,/span
span style="s0"and independence
was just another card in the deck?/span
Looks like you've been blessed.
The voters came out of nowhere.
Thank God.
span style="s0"General Luna once said, "A person
who has feelings is not a slave."/span
span style="s0"But after spending months
with General Goyo,/span
I've learned it's not that simple.
span style="s0"If these feelings cause us
to fall for lies and self-deception,/span
we become slaves to our hearts.
Hey!
Enough of that.
I'll introduce you to some businessmen.
span style="s0"How do we free ourselves
from this kind of slavery?/span
What did we really fight for?
He's going to destroy you.
Apologies, Seor Hernando.
Alerta is temporarily closed
while new management
restructures the company.
Godfather!
Astounding.
Godfather.
It's okay, dear.
I'm sure somebody put you up to it.
No.
This was my idea.
I'm responsible for all of it.
The election is over anyway.
Those films are garbage now.
You admit your heroism is garbage?
You know I've done
so much for this country.
And I have more to accomplish.
If you knew what Nadia was really doing,
you would've stopped her.
Well, of course!
We're in the middle of a campaign.
So you admit to closing down Alerta
and planting Pedro Janolino.
Joven, you son of a bitch.
So this is what it's all about.
Revenge. You hypocrite.
Who's being vengeful here?
Joven, we are the same.
You know everything I've done,
and yet you said nothing.
That's because I provided.
I got you work.
I introduced you to editors,
publishers, and investors.
I let you into my circle
and you benefitted from it greatly.
I have a family to support.
Exactly!
So don't you go acting all high and mighty
with your principles
because at the end of the day,
it's still about you
and your loved ones living comfortably.
You're right.
We are the same.
I am the hypocrite.
But I'm not playing this game anymore.
Because you will never stop.
You will keep wanting power
until the day you die.
Serging will take over after my term.
Who's going to believe you?
You should be ashamed!
Of what?
You're an elected public servant.
You're not a king!
Are you sure?
I'm kidding, my friend.
Joven Hernando.
You are wasting Nadia's talent
and the budget for those films
no one will ever see.
It's your money anyway.
Or is it?
Amazing!
Amazing!
Here.
One peso for you.
You're definitely going to need it.
My dear, I always win.
I hope we survive this war
and witness the birth of the New Republic.
Look at that man.
Why did God give him good health
while I am here gasping for my life?
I fought for everyone!
I did everything for this country!
Hush now, sweetheart.
That's enough. You are sick.
You're a fast learner.
Finally, the days
of the Governor-General are behind us.
We gave you our full support.
Please don't forget the support
we gave you in Cavite.
Come, let me introduce you to my friends.
There's a time for that, buddy.
Carmen.
Lovely.
I cannot thank you enough, my goddaughter.
We need to talk.
At the right time, my friend.
Come to the Palace in two days
as an official guest.
In the meantime, let us enjoy the night
or let me enjoy the night.
Your godmother.
I am so tired of this game.
I mean it.
Once I'm done with my six-year term,
you'll be the president of the Republic.
I'll see crows turn white first
before you say no to power.
All I want is to see
the birth of the Republic.
My dear, we will.
Protests in Cavite are growing.
General Aguinaldo says you cheated.
Long live Aguinaldo!
You're our true president!
-Long live!
-Long live!
If the elections had been clean,
if there had been no collusion
within the government,
if no one abused their power,
we would've had a different outcome.
The people know this.
Quezon is a cheat! Oust him!
-He's a fraud!
-Oust him!
We must fight back!
Shoot that cheating Manuel Quezon.
I will take the first shot
with my own gun.
Kill Quezon!
-Kill Quezon!
-Shoot him!
I don't want any bloodshed.
Does he have evidence?
I'm sorry, Papa.
You did nothing wrong.
He commissioned you to make those films.
You were just doing your job.
And you did it well.
I did the second version.
I followed Uncle Miguel's suggestion.
No one's seen it yet.
Why did you do it?
I was so mad after Alerta was shut down.
Uncle Miguel said you needed ammunition.
But I don't want you
to get into more trouble.
The election's over. He won.
What else can he do to me?
-Take care, Brother Manuel.
-Take care, Brother Manuel.
Doro.
I heard you're surrendering.
They're fellow soldiers.
Came all the way from Ilocos.
I'm Manuel Quezon.
I'm Rusca.
Eduardo Rusca.
This is Joven.
What happened to him?
He was in the Battle of Tirad Pass.
He's a journalist and photographer.
He risked his life like General Goyo.
Looks like he fought well.
I fell--
He fell deeply in love with the cause.
I salute you, soldier.
Don't spend this.
Let it be a reminder
that our principles are all we have.
Find me when you get better.
How? Where?
Just remember my name.
Manuel Luis Quezon.
I'll make that name famous.
Mr. President, Joven Hernando is here.
Please give this to my goddaughter.
Take good care of her.
There aren't too many
female filmmakers around.
I'm sure the film industry
is going to blow up soon.
What about the newspaper industry?
Still toying with it?
Has the fight begun?
We haven't had coffee yet.
You shut down my business. For what?
So all you'll read about
in the papers are praises.
It's too early for drama.
I had nothing to do with Alerta's closing.
Why would I do that?
It was your friend who bought the company.
He's a businessman.
We really can't write
bad things about you, can we?
You admit to slander?
It's not wrong to write about the truth.
Give me back Alerta.
I had nothing to do with it.
Joven, just focus on the movies.
You have a theater in Avenida, right?
Like I said,
that industry is going to be huge.
There's a new American studio,
the one owned by Harris and Eddie Tait.
State-of-the-art equipment,
better than what that damn Nepomuceno
or Salumbides have.
And you have Nadia.
She's going to go far.
There are so many opportunities
in the movies.
For campaigning.
I'm after the truth, not fiction.
What my daughter did,
that was just to make you look good.
Joven, I can't bring independence
to this country if people knew
what really went on in the government.
A government of liars?
My God.
Have you not read Plato?
Noble mentira. "The noble lie."
Have you not read Aristotle?
Mill? Rousseau?
Kant?
Truth is the foundation
of an orderly and just society.
Full house!
I fold!
Goddammit, my friend.
Let's not fight over philosophy
and ethics.
I can't use abstract virtues in real life.
Truth is a great ideal,
but you can't always use it to rule.
We have to balance things out.
In statecraft, what matters is the goal.
What is the goal?
Independence, my boy!
Joven.
I love this country.
But if I want change,
I need power.
Sometimes, I have to get my hands dirty.
Now that I'm telling you the truth,
you can't stand it.
I can face the truth.
I've been following you
since you were a lawyer.
I watched you become governor
despite the odds.
I saw how you championed independence,
how you were hailed a hero
after securing the Jones Law,
and how you became Senate President
because of that.
I watched you become president
after the Tydings-McDuffie Act.
But it's all a game!
Puzzle pieces
that formed only one picture,
you, and that's what I can't stand!
Joven.
We need trade-offs in this job.
Compromise.
Compromises are fine.
The question is, who benefits from them?
You self-righteous prick!
Are you still in college?
You're all theory.
Can't you just be happy
that we're so close to independence?
Goddammit.
Last year, we couldn't even fathom
having a Filipino president.
Yeah, I'm a prick.
Don't spend this.
Let this be a reminder.
You'll close the balcony?
Ah, no.
Just the furthest back.
That's where we'll build
the projection room.
God, you'll tear down the walls?
Oh, Uncle Eduardo,
you're still in love with vaudeville.
Not really.
I just feel bad about the building.
It's been here for so long.
Pa, where have you been?
In the monster's lair.
Did you two talk?
Is he giving back Alerta?
I doubt it.
Did you really make
two versions of the film?
One where he's the hero,
and another one that's more honest.
-For which stories?
-All of them.
The budget was enough.
Show me.
Okay!
Hey, you wanna watch a movie?
I've seen this already.
He became Senate President
because of the Jones Law
while Osmea became Speaker of the House.
Then it goes
Hold on. It's coming. Version two!
My fellow countrymen,
today is a great day for the nation!
Independence is finally within reach!
We've waited for many years.
I will spend my whole--
-What's the criteria?
-What?
For America to decide
that our government is stable?
When will they know?
It wasn't stated in the Jones Law.
Let's just be happy
for this small step, Uncle Miguel.
He can't help criticizing things.
He's always been that way.
The loyal sidekick.
If he's not an ally
to Quezon's march to the throne,
he's an obstacle.
It just depends on the day.
How many times did they fight and make up?
More than you and your girlfriend.
Oh, god!
Those two are worse than a married couple.
It is my pleasure to announce
that the Aguinaldo Pension Law,
which grants our great general
a lifetime pension
of 12,000 pesos a month,
has now been enacted.
This is our way of expressing gratitude
for all that he's done for our nation.
Long live the President
of the Veterans of the Revolution!
-Long live!
-Long live!
Long live El Presidente!
-Long live!
-Long live!
I look forward to our independence,
even if the United States
has not committed to any date yet.
We're getting there. Slowly.
As long as the Senate
and the Lower House are working together,
and no one's monopolizing
the passage of laws.
Isn't that right, Serging?
True. Especially if the Senate
has time to talk and is not wasting it
on social engagements
and other diversions.
Let go of me!
Who is she?
I want to talk to him.
As I was saying,
let's not waste our time on--
I don't know that woman.
I wasn't talking about her.
Who is she?
I trust that you're all
working diligently.
I'm already happy living
as a farmer in Paliparan.
Thanks to you.
I don't think I can face
the Americans anymore.
No problem. Leave it to us.
We formed the Council of State
with some Cabinet members.
Whatever the Americans say,
we Filipinos have a voice.
Doesn't that go against the Jones Law?
As long as Serging and I stand arm-in-arm,
and Francis Harrison is
the Governor-General,
we won't have a problem.
LEONARD WOOD IS THE NEW GOVERNOR-GENERAL
He wants to know
if you are all for independence.
I agree with everyone here.
We want independence
in the shortest time possible.
Do you understand
the meaning of independence?
Oh, yes!
I hear it's good enough to eat.
He's not wrong.
But why make Leonard Wood
Governor-General?
He's the one who led that massacre in Jolo
that killed nearly a thousand Moros.
I worry about the implications
for Osmea and Quezon.
What do you mean?
They're going to blame each other.
That son of a bitch!
Why me? This is all Sergio's fault!
He's been in the Lower House
for six years.
Everything had to go through him,
but nothing good came out of it.
Manolo!
What's the wager this time,
friends or foes?
-Foes.
-All right.
I love this job.
Now he shows his true colors.
He wants a fight? I'll give it to him.
The nerve of him to blame me
when he's the one on top.
Who do we hold accountable
for such a widespread catastrophe?
The leader!
This wouldn't have happened
if we had a solid, single leadership.
One person to speak
and act on behalf of the Legislature!
You realize these are the words
of a dictator.
We don't need dictators.
Right now, all decisions,
from appointments to governance,
have to go through Serging.
The Senate is not a rubber stamp.
Viva Unipersonalitas!
Viva Colectivistas!
You?
He got to single leadership first.
It's always black and white.
Those are just terms.
What matters is that I get more allies
to silence Serging and Wood.
A chameleon, huh?
That son of a bitch.
But you are good at deception.
Remember Hong Kong?
I thought we were there for just a layover
before heading to America.
I had no idea you intended to marry me.
You wanted to get married too.
Right?
Yes, but
I had no idea you were engaged
to four other women.
But I chose to marry you.
I know.
I love you, but
you are a chameleon.
Don't deny it.
How come it sounds different
when you say it?
I just don't want to start hearing
about children outside of this marriage.
I already have my hands full
with our children.
Add to that all the man-babies
in the Legislature.
I'm doing the right thing, am I not?
You do believe
in my capacity as a senator?
I believe that you believe
you're doing the right thing.
I can't take on Sergio and Wood
at the same time.
I need to focus on my friend first.
How?
I'm a chameleon, right?
span style="s0"There's a coming election
for the Senate and the Lower House./span
I have a chance to play my favorite game.
Seor Manolo!
Tommy.
Need money again?
Not really.
I'm just short a thousand pesos.
I need it for a new set of false teeth.
Son of a bitch.
You're sick.
I don't think so.
Take it easy with the women.
Choose carefully.
How? You took all the pretty ones already.
Shut your mouth.
Is it true Roxas is running for
Speaker of the House?
Yes.
Who else is running aside from Serging?
Tonio De Las Alas.
Easy.
Uh, Manolo, can you add another thousand?
Manolo!
Buddy! Good of you to drop by.
Tony De Las Alas.
Survey?
Trying to see
if we're standing on solid ground.
Tony.
I heard you wanted to run
as Speaker of the House.
That means I can't help you out with
that Cabinet position you've been wanting.
What? But--
Think about it.
There's a long line behind you.
Think about it, okay?
Namesake!
Son of a bitch.
No need to be so formal, Manoling.
I hear you have a good chance
of becoming Speaker of the House.
You've become quite popular.
You remind me of myself
when I was your age.
You play poker?
I can learn.
What are you cooking up now?
Calm down.
I'm not cooking anything.
I'm tired of this game, my dear.
I've heard that before.
I'm serious.
My wife and I were talking last night
about my resignation as Senate President.
I need to get better.
For six years,
he led the party and Congress.
But what happened?
Who's going to resign first?
Osmea.
Let's be honest here.
Osmea is not fit to be a leader.
He just told me
he was considering resigning,
yet here he goes again.
If that's what he really thinks of me,
I might as well
resign as Council of State
and Speaker of the House!
I'm gonna go broke at this rate.
And if he has any honor in him,
I dare him to resign as well!
This is hilarious.
We're wasting time here.
-This is how we pay our bills.
-I'll find another job.
Will your resignations still be in effect?
If Serging wants his position back,
the elections are near.
Let the Legislature
put deserving people
in their proper places.
I think Quezon
has all his pieces in place.
I'm going to run for Senate.
I think I'll be useless in Congress.
I could run for Senate President if
Manuel is serious about not coming back.
You're going to get in trouble!
I remember this.
He was fighting with
this Governor-General
Leonard Wood.
It's a complicated story.
Was it ever simple?
Remember Ray Conley?
Did you put Conley here?
Up next!
Monching, we can't let this pass.
That Conley is out of bounds.
Who does he think he is?
Does he know who we are?
We'll fix this, my friend.
Of course, that was my scoop.
You know what to do.
Mr. Hernando.
Do you want a tip?
There's a bigger story behind this.
You'd think this Conley guy
is pretty sharp,
but truth is,
we have something against him.
Conley's known to clean up crime,
but he's actually a corrupt cop.
Smile.
He takes bribes.
span style="s0"He'll raid a joint
then expect them to pay up./span
It's his racket.
I published it in Alerta.
Everybody else picked it up.
Did you hear how much he made
from that Chinese businessman last time?
After Conley got the right amount,
he stopped bothering the man.
DET. CONLEY, MPD, CHARGED WITH BRIBERY
You got duped.
I won't deny that.
Now that's something.
span style="s0"They had the Governor-General
proclaiming Conley's innocence./span
Hello. This is Alerta.
CONLEY REINSTATED BY WOOD!
That's when the war of words started.
So Nadia filmed them, after all.
God, the Hernandos.
What did you see?
A lot.
Stuff about the Jones Law,
your fight with Osmea,
and about Leonard Wood.
Leonard.
I remember the day Monching
knocked on my door to ask for help.
Don't worry, you won't catch it.
Come in.
I need your help.
Is it true what we heard?
You all resigned?
They all resigned. Now what?
I don't know.
I don't think they know either.
span style="s0"My resignation won't mean anything
if Wood doesn't step down./span
He wasn't swayed by your act?
I need to steer public opinion
against him.
I need stronger allies.
Sweetheart, your health.
I'm okay.
The drugs from America are working.
This country needs me.
-Yes, but--
-I'm the only one
who can fight for independence.
You know that.
Did you take your medicine?
Hold on.
Manoling!
Manolo?
Jesus Christ, you'll give me
a heart attack.
My man, pack your bags.
You need to sail to the US.
Talk to President Coolidge.
Ask him to remove
that son of a bitch Wood from his post.
Are you serious?
I don't make goddamn jokes
at this ungodly hour.
Right away!
I want to see snow.
Not ready yet?
Our interview with Osmea is at three.
Go on without me.
What happened?
I'm tired.
Tired?
Of everything.
I want to retire.
Uncle Miguel.
You want to talk about it?
We have time.
You've been friends with Quezon
for how long?
Since he was a lawyer.
It's been decades.
He's done so much for you, hasn't he?
You're running two businesses.
You're Joven Hernando.
And you're Manuel Luis Quezon.
Be careful with him.
You've seen how he uses independence
to gain power.
He plays political games,
but he means well.
This is a lovely farm, General.
I spent months cultivating
this land and planting
all sorts of crops.
I can't thank you enough
for letting me and my family
stay here for free.
It's nothing.
It's the least I can do
for someone like you.
You did well, General.
It's nice to walk around.
But
going back to our topic.
Senator
It's a very simple request.
Don't think for one moment
that I don't want independence.
We all want that.
All I'm saying is,
be careful.
If he's that good at playing games,
there might come a day
where he will use you to win.
That fucking American has gone too far.
He thinks he can push Filipinos around.
Son of a bitch.
What are you really asking?
Condemn Wood in public. Just once.
I am sure
people will listen to El Presidente.
I understand what you're saying,
but I'm not worried.
Are you sure you're not in a gilded cage?
How can you be a guardian of truth
if you can only see one side?
I'm not blind.
Maybe
your vision has gone blurry?
It's been twenty years.
The youth have forgotten the sacrifices
we and the veterans made.
You have not been forgotten.
You?
Remember the speech I gave
in Washington D.C.?
I praised your courage and patriotism.
To the Americans.
I'm happy being a farmer.
I want peace and quiet.
Just one word.
That's all I need.
Are you really retiring?
I've been in the business long enough.
Just be careful.
Beware of people who say
they will fight for you,
that what they're doing is
for your own good.
Well then, hurry up. All of you.
Son of a bitch.
This guy's no fun.
I can't get a read on him.
You know who's fun to play with?
Who?
Enteng.
Madrigal.
Exactly. That pushover.
Oh, dear.
"On behalf of the members
of the Veteranos de la Revolucion,
I express my support for
Governor-General Leonard Wood."
Motherfucker!
That fucking old geezer!
After everything I've done for him!
To think I praised him
in front of the Americans.
Stupid traitor.
Are you done?
Telegram. From Manoling in the US.
Son of a bitch. Really?
What does it say?
Coolidge won't remove Wood.
He says if I insist, it'll prove
we're not ready for independence.
Seems you've met your match.
You're giving up?
But it's going to be bloody.
Lenny.
-Long live!
-Long live!
What?
Read this.
He probably met my medicine man.
He can cure TB
with just garlic and pineapple.
What's that? What's that?
Lanzones.
Why are you eating that?
But they're delicious.
My dear.
This is for you.
What's the occasion?
Now that Leonard is gone
and his replacement is friendlier,
we can resume our fight for independence.
My body can't handle the trip.
I was hoping you and Manoling
could go to the US to secure
a new independence bill.
I have a lot on my hands.
Serging.
If you secure this,
we can run in the national elections.
Goddamn.
We'll be the strongest contenders.
A sure double win.
You'll be my vice
and I'll be the president.
Why can't I be the president?
Since the beginning,
you were Watson and I was Holmes.
I think I'm more like Sancho Panza
and you're Don Quixote.
That was his mistake.
He sent Osmea and Roxas
to secure the bill,
which means he won't get the praise.
People won't be thanking him.
Come election time,
Osmea and Roxas could run
as president and vice,
and actually win.
Son of a
Then he's toast.
That's why there's another bill.
The Tydings-McDuffie.
Quezon changed his strategy real quick.
I don't understand
how this is different from the first bill.
The difference is,
Quezon was the one who brought it home.
My dear.
Good grief.
Now
we can run as president and vice.
Serging, are you still mad?
I couldn't have done this without you.
Whatever.
Not me. And I promise you,
once I'm done being president
for six years under the Commonwealth,
you'll be my successor.
Think about it,
you will be the first president
of the free Republic.
I'm not a booger
you can roll around your fingers!
Serging.
I'm serious.
If we run, only one thing
is bound to happen.
What?
For sure, we will not lose.
My dearest.
Whose grave did you snatch this from?
From Leonard's.
Bullshit!
Your daughter's work?
No, I mean the story.
It's okay, Pa!
Where's "Body and Soul"?
Up next.
Politics.
They've been in power for years,
yet they never showed true leadership.
Why don't you show everyone
how you fought for the country?
That's asking for trouble.
No.
I'm supporting Quezon's candidacy.
Isn't that awkward?
You're a journalist.
Won't there be conflict of interest?
I'll leave the reporting to my staff.
Alerta will still be neutral.
What's important is that Quezon wins.
Hey!
You cross-eyed son of a bitch!
What are you doing here?
How is everyone?
-You know him?
-I've never seen him before.
He's a true man of the people.
There are rumors that General Aguinaldo
is considering running for president.
Any thoughts?
He's old
and dare I say,
he has regressed.
His support of Leonard Wood
was a betrayal of everything he stood for.
He should stay in retirement
along with his Veteranos,
so they can do neither good
nor bad for the country.
It's so insulting.
Even Mabini didn't stoop so low.
Who are these Veteranos anyway?
Many of them don't even know
the smell of gunpowder.
Why not take the fight to the polls?
People still remember your heroism.
You still have thousands of supporters.
You answered the motherland's call
during the revolution.
Were they really revolutionaries?
Now she needs you again.
Fuego los veteranos! Amigos de Wood!
Is it right to turn your back on her
just because you want some peace?
Fuego los veteranos! Amigos de Wood!
Aren't you a member of the Veteranos?
You can see his signature.
He is a member of the Veteranos.
-Quezon's a liar!
-Coward! Liar!
He implies that I'm a traitor,
and yet he himself praised
my patriotism and courage
against the Americans in a speech
he gave in the US.
The youth may have already forgotten us,
but the Veteranos and I fought
for the freedoms they enjoy today.
Meanwhile,
our two-faced government officials
keep preaching about independence
when in fact, they intend
to prolong our ties to America.
That's right!
I can no longer ignore
the call of my countrymen
who continue to suffer
while our leaders indulge in feasts.
I will run for the presidency
in this coming election.
-Long live Ka Miong!
-Long live!
And Raymundo Melliza
will be my vice president!
-Long live!
-Long live!
LONG LIVE QUEZON AND OSMEA
Thank you so much!
Thank you so much.
Thank you so much.
Thank you so much.
Let us recall the Jones Law,
it was supposed to promise us independence
within three years,
but Quezon pushed
for an extension of twenty-five years!
Do we want to be led by ghosts of the past
or do we want progress?
-Progress!
-Progress!
Out with the old, in with the new!
For progress!
-Long live Quezon!
-Long live!
Beware of Quezon, ladies.
He is a lying cad
who keeps many secrets from his poor wife.
What kind of leader--
Our vice president is falling apart.
He might not finish his term!
It might be best to invite the woman
and introduce her to the public.
Magnificent!
Where are the movies from Europe?
They were so good.
Now, it's all American.
Europe doesn't send their films here
as much anymore.
Aguinaldo went up
five points in the polls.
You still have a wide lead.
As it should be.
He doesn't have the machinery.
Go easy on the old man.
He's still my top opponent, sweetheart.
There's too much at stake.
I have an idea.
I heard you've been making
your own movies?
They're nothing. Just short, silent ones.
We have talkies now.
Why are you still doing silent films?
She's a huge fan of Murnau and Fritz Lang.
It's true.
Do you have equipment?
I rent from Seor Nepomuceno.
Did you see
the new Philippine Films studio?
The one by Harris and Tait?
Only from the outside.
It looks amazing. All new equipment.
I'm sure our country will soon be
the center of moviemaking in Asia.
I really hope so.
And you are right in the middle of that.
Show me your work.
Sure!
This is still a work in progress.
Now I get the Murnau influence.
Nice shot.
Who is he? The one in white.
He's charming.
He could play you in a movie.
Nadia, make short movies about my life.
All of my major achievements
since I became a lawyer up to the present.
We'll use them for the campaign.
I'll give you funds, don't worry.
I'll see if I can rent
Don Jose's equipment again.
I got you.
I'll talk to Harris and Tait.
You'll be using their equipment.
Only the best for my goddaughter.
We'll release them before the elections.
They're gonna be seen by everyone.
I want it to be like a Hollywood movie.
Make me look like Errol Flynn.
Manuel Quezon, the hero.
The answer to the country's woes!
Exactly!
Ask your papa everything
you need to know about me.
We've been through a lot.
Unfortunately.
What do you think?
You can work together on the script.
Yes, of course. Absolutely!
I have the one
where he was locked up in Intramuros,
also his victory as Governor of Tayabas.
Include the one where he prosecuted
that American landgrabber.
Francis Berry.
I got the Jones Law
and his speech against Wood.
All puff pieces for Quezon, huh?
All flattery.
It's Nadia's job.
And it's all paid.
This is a good opportunity
to examine Quezon as a politician.
That's not her job.
If she uses the money to criticize Quezon,
she'll be acting in bad faith.
Quezon has acted in bad faith many times.
That's not the point.
What if you make two versions?
One where he's the hero
And the other?
A more honest one. We're already here.
You know the true story
behind his victory as governor.
You know why he secured
the Tydings-McDuffie Act
even if there's already an earlier bill.
You also know about Ana Ricardo.
Where are we going to show these?
I don't know.
But think about it.
When he finally discards you,
at least you have ammunition.
What's ammunition if I don't have a gun?
How come Quezon has funds
for elaborate campaigns in the papers,
on the radio, and even in the movies?
How does he get to acquire property
amounting to one million pesos
while a senator's salary is only--
Can he blame me
if I'm also a good businessman?
Like you, right?
Go join your friends.
There's a magician outside.
Go ahead!
Thank you for your gift to my son.
But
is this really the value you place
on Nonong's future?
He's your godson.
Let me get that.
Friendship is priceless.
Lay down the turn, Enteng.
It's not your turn.
Whatever. Fold. Go on without me.
Excuse me, my friend.
All Aguinaldo does is moral assassination.
He's shooting blanks.
Susana?
Go to the bank right away.
Find out how much is left in my account.
What if you shatter his image as a hero
so he'll be out of the race for good?
How will he do that?
Being a hero is all about perception.
You! Put it over here.
Here.
There you go.
Careful.
Good day.
Can I have some water?
You traveled far?
Pretty much.
Thank you.
Have we met before?
You don't remember me?
In Cabanatuan.
It's been three decades.
Joven, put that aside.
My friend here has a wild story.
Was that really you?
The first to strike General Luna?
To his face.
Aguinaldo ordered us
to kill Luna in Cabanatuan.
What's your proof?
Aguinaldo sent out four telegrams
to make sure Luna will go to Cabanatuan.
He keeps denying it.
Here's one.
My conscience
wouldn't let me rest for years.
But when I heard Aguinaldo
was running for president,
I just couldn't stay quiet.
The country needs to know
that Aguinaldo destroyed the revolution.
Newspaper! Newspaper!
span style="s0"Let us remember the words
of Mabini regarding Aguinaldo./span
"The revolution failed
because it was badly led."
I've said this before
and I will say it again.
I did not give out orders
to assassinate General Luna.
Why would I have my best general killed?
What would be the point?
"Instead of supporting
those who truly served the nation,
he made them useless."
I only asked that he be closely monitored
should he do anything
against the revolutionary government.
We honor the true heroes of the Revolution
like Apolinario Mabini.
Only a fool would believe Mabini.
General Antonio Luna.
You should publish your own book
to debunk his accusations.
And most of all, on this day,
the true first president
of the First Republic,
Andres Bonifacio!
You know a good place for these posters?
Where?
In Kawit.
You've lost your mind.
Let's go.
How was I supposed to know
Aguinaldo was home?
They told me he was campaigning in Tarlac.
Did you see his face?
Hey!
You two!
Post one more over here.
Post the rest there.
Let's hand these out!
Vote for Quezon in the election!
Why should we?
We lost our jobs because of him.
Quezon is on the side
of the working class.
On our side?
He closed down Aguinaldo's farm.
We worked there!
On our side
He cannot give away what he doesn't own.
This land belongs to the government.
But you can buy it back at auction.
It's currently priced at
200,000 pesos.
What did I tell you?
He's tactless and rude.
What's next, your pension?
You also need to play dirty.
And stoop to his level?
There's no other game in this election.
Let's use the woman.
Not until we have documents to prove
Quezon is guilty of bigamy.
We won't.
What woman?
Those poor farmers.
Not only that,
but Quezon also gave his word
that the farm belonged to Aguinaldo.
For him to take it back now
I'll still vote for Quezon.
He's a sure win.
And he's good for my business.
Even the educated elites
are saying to vote for him.
Education has little to do with
what's right in this case.
It doesn't matter
how many books you've read,
or how many professors
have widened your knowledge,
you'll always have a good chance
of being duped.
But how about me?
Nobody widened my
We all think we're on the right side.
A hustler only needs to tell you
what you already believe in,
then you're hooked!
But still.
Why did Quezon
have to do that to Aguinaldo?
He already has a wide lead.
Maybe it's not enough that he wins.
Maybe it's about proving what you can do
with enough power.
Power.
It would be nice if someone really knew
how to use that to change things, right?
How about you, Nadia?
You want to change the world?
That's a young person's game, right?
Uncle Miguel said the world
changes us faster than we can change it.
What's with your family?
I'm going home.
Give me that corn.
Goodbye.
Good morning, sir!
Good morning to you too!
General.
Senator Quezon.
Where's your cassock?
It's not really appropriate
for the occasion.
Joven.
Good day, friends and people of Bataan.
There was a terrible mix-up
with the scheduled dates
of our candidates,
and as you can see,
they're all here.
To our honorable candidates, my apologies.
On the other hand, this should be fun.
Am I right?
Well then, let's not wait any longer.
From the Nacionalista Party,
Senator Manuel Quezon
and his running mate,
Senator Sergio Osmea!
At last, they've patched things up.
And to the right is
the honorable General Emilio Aguinaldo
and his running mate, Raymundo Melliza,
of the National Socialist Party!
If General Aguinaldo wins,
he'll not only become
the first president of the Philippines,
but the second as well.
And last but not the least,
we have Bishop Gregorio Aglipay
and his running mate, Norberto Nabong,
of the Communist Party of the Philippines!
I heard that, if Bishop Aglipay wins,
he'll canonize Jose Rizal into sainthood.
Is that true, Bishop?
All in good fun, dear friends.
Well then!
To make things fair,
all three have drawn lots
on the order of speeches.
First on stage is Bishop Gregorio Aglipay!
Thank you so much, Governor.
I want to remind everyone
that I resigned
from the Catholic Church long ago
due to the oppression we all know too well
from the Spaniards and the friars.
These people used the doctrines of Christ
to make themselves rich.
The current administration
has been too negligent.
The woman is here.
I asked her to come,
-just in--
-I told you no.
We don't have proof that they're married.
Their vows were sealed
by the revolutionary government.
That's enough.
And she lives in this town,
so we might as well.
The world of the greedy will soon crumble.
And I will make sure of it.
These brave words I will never take back.
I am deeply grateful to you all.
And now, let us hear from
none other than our beloved
Senator Manuel Luis Quezon!
Before anything else,
I would just like to say that if I win,
my fellow candidates are still welcome
to have lunch with me
in Malacaan anytime.
Just inform Nieto.
This campaign has been a noisy
and messy affair, I must say.
But it's all just politics.
Nothing personal.
However, I'd like to remind everyone
how crucial this election is.
Beware of people
who want to return to power
after having demonstrably failed before.
Beware of tyrants who were given
an army, a government,
and the full cooperation of
an entire nation, then wasted all of it.
And who instead
surrendered.
Democracy
is too valuable to be wasted
in the hands of a dictator.
So my fellow countrymen,
who will you choose?
I told you no--
A leader who promised us independence,
but led us to defeat,
or a leader who brought democracy
to every Filipino?
-Democracy!
-Democracy!
Democracy!
-Democracy!
-Democracy!
One more time! Democracy!
-Democracy!
-Democracy!
Not disaster!
Thank you so much, everyone.
What happened?
They revoked my pension.
I knew it.
He talks as if he only
has one opponent in this election.
You want us to be a target too?
And last but not the least,
General Emilio Aguinaldo!
Friends,
I would like to correct
the baseless accusations
hurled against me today.
I was very happy
living my life in quiet retirement
if it were not for the urging
of thousands of Filipinos
to have me run for office.
I do this out of a sense of duty,
not lust for power.
Even during the Revolution,
I never wanted to be the president.
I sent out flyers saying why
I was not qualified to be the president,
but Apolinario Mabini himself
had those flyers destroyed
and convinced me to run.
The accusation that I'm only running
to regain power is a lie.
Since the enactment of the Jones Law,
all that we've seen is a government
preoccupied with political games
while thousands of our countrymen suffer.
Our officials remained silent
and submissive
to the whims of their masters.
And in exchange for what?
Their fat-laden pensions and pork barrel.
Even here in Bagac,
there are people who suffered
because of the whims
of our government officials.
They're still letting people in.
Some of these people were abandoned
despite being promised love and support.
Who's she supposed to be?
Quezon's first wife.
Ana Ricardo.
A heartless man
who treats others like toys,
treats the leadership of a nation
the same way!
Who then is the greedy one?
Is this the leader we want
for our country?
I left her.
I left her in the jungle,
and I don't regret it one bit.
Let go of me!
Thus, my friends,
I would like to call
Son of a bitch.
I would like to call on stage
Don't you dare.
I would like to call on stage
Governor Aquino to continue the program.
Thank you very much, my countrymen.
Thank you for coming.
Give her something to eat.
Should I take her home afterwards?
Let me talk to her.
Let's give it time.
I'm sure the General
will still make use of her.
How's retirement?
Tiring. I'm busy with lots of things.
Like what?
I followed Aguinaldo's campaign.
I went to almost all of the rallies
in Manila and nearby towns.
Laguna, Cavite, Bulacan.
I couldn't go any further.
It's literally a pain in the ass.
You're voting for him?
I'm not voting at all. I just wanted
to see what it was like on the other side.
Hon.
Manolo called. Here's the address
for tomorrow's rally in Laguna.
Going to lecture me again
about supporting Quezon?
No.
I've said everything I needed to say.
But
maybe you haven't seen
everything you need to see.
Here.
Just go.
Observe.
Hold on.
Seor Hernando!
Good afternoon, sir.
We weren't expecting your company.
Thank you for coming.
Come with me.
Are the other Veteranos coming?
Yes, sir.
Miong.
We have a guest.
Good morning, sir.
Joven Hernando.
Thank you for joining us.
You're only here to observe, aren't you?
I don't think you'll write
about us in your paper.
I'm not here as a journalist.
I understand.
It's too bad because
this is an important day for us.
This is where the General was proclaimed
as the President of the First Republic.
He celebrates this every year.
-Long live Quezon!
-Long live democracy!
What's going on?
I heard there are some
Quezon supporters in this town.
What are they doing?
All together!
Long live Quezon!
Long live democracy!
Long live independence!
-Long live!
-Long live!
-Long live!
-Long live!
ANDRES IS THE FIRST PRESIDENOF THE PHILIPPINES
CONDEMN THE KILLER OF LUNA AND BONIFACIO
TRAITOR!
Ungrateful scoundrels!
He fought for you.
He fought for all of you!
I don't want to set foot here ever again.
You!
What are you doing here?
Hey!
I know him.
I interviewed him before.
That son of a bitch?
Do you know he's Quezon's
sergeant-at-arms in the Senate?
Pedro Janolino.
I need to talk to him.
What about?
Pedro Janolino.
Sir, you can see the Senator
is preoccupied.
It's an important meeting.
He's just playing poker.
Doesn't mean the meeting's not important.
For decades,
span style="s0"we have witnessed the rise
of the great Manuel Luis Quezon/span
to the peak of political power.
Despite his failing health,
span style="s0"he emerged as the most obvious choice
for President of the Commonwealth./span
But at what cost?
span style="s0"Instead of readying the country
for independence/span
by strengthening its foundations,
span style="s0"Quezon played too many political games
for his own survival,/span
span style="s0"and in the process, planted the seeds
of patronage politics/span
Over here is sugar
or the spoils system.
Once this has been established,
span style="s0"this system may be impossible
to weed out in a culture/span
span style="s0"that is so enamored
with debts of gratitude./span
Quezon may not have invented the game,
span style="s0"but he sure played it
to the best of his abilities./span
"Body and Soul"?
Up next.
span style="s0"We fought so much
for this thing called independence,/span
span style="s0"but was it really
within reach from the start?/span
span style="s0"Or was it just games
between the conquerors and the conquered,/span
span style="s0"and independence
was just another card in the deck?/span
Looks like you've been blessed.
The voters came out of nowhere.
Thank God.
span style="s0"General Luna once said, "A person
who has feelings is not a slave."/span
span style="s0"But after spending months
with General Goyo,/span
I've learned it's not that simple.
span style="s0"If these feelings cause us
to fall for lies and self-deception,/span
we become slaves to our hearts.
Hey!
Enough of that.
I'll introduce you to some businessmen.
span style="s0"How do we free ourselves
from this kind of slavery?/span
What did we really fight for?
He's going to destroy you.
Apologies, Seor Hernando.
Alerta is temporarily closed
while new management
restructures the company.
Godfather!
Astounding.
Godfather.
It's okay, dear.
I'm sure somebody put you up to it.
No.
This was my idea.
I'm responsible for all of it.
The election is over anyway.
Those films are garbage now.
You admit your heroism is garbage?
You know I've done
so much for this country.
And I have more to accomplish.
If you knew what Nadia was really doing,
you would've stopped her.
Well, of course!
We're in the middle of a campaign.
So you admit to closing down Alerta
and planting Pedro Janolino.
Joven, you son of a bitch.
So this is what it's all about.
Revenge. You hypocrite.
Who's being vengeful here?
Joven, we are the same.
You know everything I've done,
and yet you said nothing.
That's because I provided.
I got you work.
I introduced you to editors,
publishers, and investors.
I let you into my circle
and you benefitted from it greatly.
I have a family to support.
Exactly!
So don't you go acting all high and mighty
with your principles
because at the end of the day,
it's still about you
and your loved ones living comfortably.
You're right.
We are the same.
I am the hypocrite.
But I'm not playing this game anymore.
Because you will never stop.
You will keep wanting power
until the day you die.
Serging will take over after my term.
Who's going to believe you?
You should be ashamed!
Of what?
You're an elected public servant.
You're not a king!
Are you sure?
I'm kidding, my friend.
Joven Hernando.
You are wasting Nadia's talent
and the budget for those films
no one will ever see.
It's your money anyway.
Or is it?
Amazing!
Amazing!
Here.
One peso for you.
You're definitely going to need it.
My dear, I always win.
I hope we survive this war
and witness the birth of the New Republic.
Look at that man.
Why did God give him good health
while I am here gasping for my life?
I fought for everyone!
I did everything for this country!
Hush now, sweetheart.
That's enough. You are sick.