?I AM DETERMINED TO touch lives and save souls.?

That was actor-film producer Ronnie Ricketts, talking about his new post as chairperson of the Optical Media Board.

?I?ve been doing that in my work as anti-drug crusader. I will simply apply the same principle to my job as anti-piracy leader,? Ricketts told Inquirer.

Ricketts is part of the group Movie All-Stars, actors who go around the country talking about the ill effects of illegal drugs and encouraging the youth to engage in sports, specifically basketball.

He formally replaced Edu Manzano, who resigned from the post two months ago.

The new OMB chief said he intends to involve the youth sector in his campaign to curb piracy. ?Information dissemination is the key. I plan to conduct forums with high school and college students in Manila and in the provinces.?

He said that he will also seek the help of local governments.

Robin on his mind

Ricketts, a former president of the Film Actors Guild of the Philippines, said he has also asked fellow actors and industry leaders to get involved. ?I hope to get Robin Padilla on board. He will be a big asset to us.?

A former ramp model who has appeared in over 50 action films since the ?80s, Ricketts said he felt honored to have been picked for the post.

?It?s a serious job. I?ve long been helping the industry; as OMB chair, I will be able to do more,? he said. ?People close to me know me as a hard worker, walang kalokohan. When I plan to do something, I put my heart and mind into it.?

Death threats

Ricketts considers death threats to be part of the job. ?Even Sen. Bong Revilla received death threats, when he was chair of VRB (Videogram Regulatory Board). You can?t please everybody,? he pointed out. ?Sanay ka na dapat d?yan. I just hope my family doesn?t get dragged into that. Ako na lang sana.? Ricketts is married to actress Mariz, with whom he has two daughters, Marella, 14, and Marie, 11.

Asked about his relationship with Manzano, he said: ?We?re good friends. We respect each other. ?Wag natin bahiran ng pulitika ito. I will seek his advice. Whatever good things he did for the board, I will continue,? Ricketts said.

Email: mcruz@inquirer.com.ph