Seasoned actor Tirso Cruz III has been appointed as the new chairperson and chief executive of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP). He was sworn in by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. on Tuesday, July 5, in Malacañang, alongside other appointed officials.
Cruz replaced former beauty queen and actress Liza Diño in the position.
The 70-year-old actor and singer started his career in film in the late ‘60s and on television in the early ‘70s, is known for his roles in Guy and Pip (which launched his love team with Superstar Nora Aunor), Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit, Dekada 70, Mano Po, and recently in Ang Probinsyano, Honor Thy Father, and Rainbow’s Sunset, among others.
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte reappointed Diño as the FDCP chair for another three years. But ultimately, it’s the incumbent president’s decision that pushed through.
Meanwhile, Cruz was surprised at his appointment and recognized the amount of responsibility the job entails.
Apart from Cruz, another actor appointed as a government official was Mark Lapid. He assumed the role of the chief operating officer of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority.