My husband was, for much of his upbringing, raised by a single mother. I curse anyone that sees women like her as "less than."
— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) May 3, 2017
Celebrities took to social media to denounce the controversial remark of comedian-turned-politician Sen. Vicente “Tito” Sotto III about single mothers during the confirmation hearing of Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo.
Personalities from the entertainment industry like Lea Salonga and Pokwang took offense at Sotto’s comment and came to defense of Taguiwalo and single parents.
READ: Sotto remark in CA hearing causes stir
During the confirmation hearing, Taguiwalo was asked by Sotto why she had two daughters but she was single. “Ah in street language, when you have children and you’re single, ang tawag diyan ‘na-ano lang,’” said the “Eat Bulaga” host, drawing awkward laughter from attendees and heavy backlash from netizens.
READ: ‘Solo parents should be lauded, not judged’
On her Twitter account, Salonga wrote: “For much of my growing-up years, my mother was a single mother. I curse anyone and everyone that sees women like her as ‘less than.’
“For those that look down upon these beloved ladies, there’s a special place in hell for the likes of you,” she added.
Pokwang said single mothers like her were working hard to provide her children with comfortable life.
“Hindi po ako na-ano lang! naging single mom ako kasi wala pong BAYAG!! ang lalaking minahal ko! pero binuhay ko ng marangal mga anak ko!” she said. “Sa lahat ng single mom sa buong mundo,, mabuhay tayong lahat!!! Yahooo… God bless us all.”
TV host and volleyball star Gretchen Ho described Sotto’s remark as “unnecessary and misogynistic.”
Saab Magalona, daughter of Sotto’s former “Eat Bulaga” co-host Francis Magalona, also had something to say about the senator’s comment. “May mas babastos pa ba dito?” she wrote on Twitter.
Sotto said his remark was meant to be a joke.
If I’m a bad person for them, then I apologize, I’m a bad person,” Sotto said. “I have two daughters who are separated, who are single and have children. So I don’t think there should be any big fuss about it.” YG/JE
Here’s what other personalities have to say:
Mabuhay ang mga solo parents, iba ang lakas at katatagan ninyo. 👏👏👏
— Bianca Gonzalez (@iamsuperbianca) May 3, 2017
Thank you Sec. Judy Taguiwalo for introducing to us the term "solo parent" as opposed to "single parent." Mas tama. Mas swak.
— Bianca Gonzalez (@iamsuperbianca) May 3, 2017
May mas babastos pa ba dito? https://t.co/J3VEciuNBF
— Saab (@saabmagalona) May 3, 2017
Sotto making fun of single parents this time? I mean, how many uneducated statements can you make before you actually learn to shut up.
— Lauren Young (@loyoung) May 3, 2017
What an unnecessary and misogynistic comment. I can't even. ✖️✖️ https://t.co/iDhICdu8C0
— Gretchen Ho (@gretchenho) May 3, 2017
Ano nangyayare sa pilipinas??? basta ako hindi ako nagsisisi na single mom ako! 💪🏻
— marietta subong (@pokwang27) May 3, 2017
Tito Sotto can never use comedy as a defense because he isn't funny.
— Phil Dy (@philbertdy) May 3, 2017
My respect to all the single mothers who take on the immense responsibility of successfully raising children on their own 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼
— nini (@janinegutierrez) May 3, 2017
https://twitter.com/tonetjadaone/status/859648102571134976
There is nothing wrong with a woman who chooses to be a solo parent. It is an honorable and courageous act. #SoloParentsLaw #MyMother
— Marvic Leonen — maroon check (@marvicleonen) May 3, 2017
There was a time misogyny, hatred, ignorance & malevolence limped silently in the margins. Now they're center, in power, & unabashedly held.
— Florin Hilbay (@fthilbay) May 3, 2017
Now my 74 year old mother wants to open a Twitter account so she can yell at Tito Sotto.
— Abi Valte (@Abi_Valte) May 3, 2017
