"The Man in the High Castle" alum Joel de la Fuente is playing a Filipino president named Datu Andrada in "Madam Secretary" Season 3 episode 14 titled "Break in Diplomacy." Apparently, the Philippine government is not happy about this.
In an official statement, the Philippine embassy in the United States noted that the CBS show "Madam Secretary" work of fiction that tracks and mirrors current events. Therefore, it is inevitable for depiction of the CBS show world leaders to influence the views of its audience on the real personages and the countries they represent, according to the embassy.
"This highly negative portrayal of our Head of State not only casts doubt on the respectability of the Office of the Philippine President but also denigrates that way our nation navigates foreign affairs," the statement reads. "It also tarnishes the Philippines' longstanding advocacy for women's rights and gender equality."
In "Break in Diplomacy," Datu Andrada, the unconventional new president of the Philippines, will make a pass at Elizabeth McCord (Tea Leoni) during their meeting to discuss his refusal to participate in an Asia-Pacific territory treaty. Viewers will see how shocked the latter is.
Also appearing in "Break in Diplomacy" is Jojo Gonzalez as General Ramon Purisima. In real life, the Director General of the Philippine National Police from Dec. 17, 2012 to Feb. 5, 2015 is named Alan La Madrid Purisima, who recently pleaded not guilty to charges of graft and usurpation of official functions on his role in the failed elite cops operations in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, Rappler reported.
"Break in Diplomacy" will feature Nicole Shalhoub as Dendera Antar, Mike Pniewski as Gordon Becker, Martha Millan as Leah Montejo, Michael Gaston as Hugh Haymond and Maci Ferrigno and Meadow Ferrigno as Chloe Whitman. Sara DeRosa and Matthew Provenza will play a reporter and a Westmore student, respectively.
"Madam Secretary" Season 3 episode 14 titled "Break in Diplomacy" will air on March 12, Sunday, at 9:00 p.m. CBS.
Here is an interview with the real-life president of the Philippines: