MANILA, Philippines - A congressman has filed a House resolution appealing to the local television and movie industry to prevent typecasting lawmakers as villains or crooks.

Rep. Aurelio "Dong" Gonzales Jr. of the 3rd District of Pampanga filed House Resolution 2140 to appeal to the local TV and movie industry to minimize, prevent or stop typecasting congressmen and congresswomen as villains or crooks in movies and television telenovelas.

He said this is needed in order to avoid creating stereotypes or negative public perception against members of the House of Representatives.

He said congressmen and congresswomen are elected by their respective districts and sectors to be their voices in the House of Representatives.

He also said that as the people's representatives, a majority of lawmakers do their best to serve their constituents.

Any negative typecasting influences the general public especially the young children, into forming a negative impression about the members of the House of Representatives, Gonzales said.