The justification for the government's sudden criticism of "Ang Probinsyano" is that it is beginning to badly influence the way the public sees real-life cops --corrupt and ineffective, similar to the fictional ones who litter the hit action-drama.

It was also said that the freedom enjoyed by the show's writers, when left without limits and unchecked, may cause irreparable damage to the reputation of the nation's police force. This needs to be corrected, insisted the Philippine National Police (PNP).

One may agree with this or not but something became evidently clear amid all the brouhaha --there's no denying that "Ang Probinsyano" is the most watched program in the country.

This point was brought up when Vice Ganda, a good friend of its lead star Coco Martin, was asked about his opinions on the pressure the PNP is putting on the show to change its plot.

The comedian argued that the PNP is only worried because "Ang Probinsyano" has grown to become massively influential during the many years it has been on-air.

Vice Ganda on “Ang Probinsyano” controversy: “Napaka-influential kasi ng Ang Probinsyano, napakalakas niya, kaya maraming matatamaan pero hindi naman sila nagkulang sa disclaimer na kwento lang siya.” pic.twitter.com/8rfRA5WLVi

— MJ Felipe (@mjfelipe) November 17, 2018

"Napaka-influential kasi talaga at kinakapitan ng mga tao --may mga taong maapektuhan at kakabahan dahil ang lakas ng 'Ang Probinsyano,'" he told reporters in an interview Saturday.

He also pointed out that proper disclaimers are placed before the start of each episode, and that the show has never once claimed that its corrupt cops were a reflection of real police officers.

"Palabas lamang ito at may disclaimer naman lagi na hindi ito nagre-represent sa kung ano mang ahensya ng gobyerno," Vice Ganda reasoned. "Ito'y palabas lamang, istorya --kathang-isip."

Vice Ganda is not the first celebrity to disagree with the PNP's overly critical stance over "Ang Probinsyano."

Actress Jasmine Curtis-Smith took a swipe at the PNP on social media, wondering why authorities are pushing for shows and movies to depict a "better image" of them.

The PNP has already withdrawn its support for the show, ordering cops nationwide to stop assisting and providing resources to the production team of the teleserye.

Legal actions are also being considered.

Filipino artists have decried the attempt to pressure the show into changing its plot, saying that the PNP's actions are "tantamount to censorship and suppression of creative freedom."