Lea Salonga: 'Sen. Trillanes has right to criticize, it's his job' | Inquirer Entertainment

Lea Salonga: ‘Sen. Trillanes has right to criticize, it’s his job’

By: - Reporter
/ 02:06 PM October 25, 2018

Image: Instagram/@juansarte

After voicing her opinion about former love team partner Aga Muhlach’s comment on Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, Lea Salonga said that the politician too has the right to criticize.

The Tony Award-winning singer-actress first aired her thoughts on Muhlach’s sentiments about the senator in a Facebook post made by comedian Ogie Diaz. She said: “As citizens of this republic, we have the right to criticize our leaders. A right, and a duty.”

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READ: Lea Salonga on backlash against Aga Muhlach: ‘This is supposed to be a democracy’

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Another Ogie, netizen Ogie Rosa (@ogie_rosa), then criticized the singer for her statement. “Ayaw magsalita tungkol sa inflation pero “it’s our duty to criticize” pagdating kay Trillanes? Seriously, what is happening to you, @MsLeaSalonga?” the netizen called her out on Twitter last Wednesday, Oct. 24.

(You do not want to speak up about inflation, but “it’s our duty to criticize” when it comes to Trillanes? Seriously, what is happening to you, Lea Salonga?)

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“Apparently the internet is also selective in which posts of mine to highlight,” Salonga responded after she was called out. “Sen. Trillanes has every right to criticize, too. It’s his job.”

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And while she thinks it is great that the senator is “as outspoken as he is,” she added, “But by the same token, he needs to be open to criticism from others, too.”

Another netizen, Elmer Reyes (@docelmer63), was the next to question Salonga: “how about the president of the Philippines then? are you saying its ok for him to persecute – not so much as prosecute – people who ‘criticize’ him or his policies?”

“Persecute, no. It’s never okay to go after someone just because they disagree with you,” Salonga replied. “Prosecute, only if that offender did something against the law.”

She also thanked the netizen for his “sober tone” on their discussion. “I truly appreciate it, and am learning from you in the process,” Salonga added.

While Salonga was outspoken about her political views, fellow singer Jim Paredes had this advice to fellow artists wanting to speak up for what they believe in: “Yes, we ALL have freedom of expression. But what we don’t have [and] never will is guarantee that everyone will agree with what we say.”

https://twitter.com/Jimparedes/status/1054731620727558146?fbclid=IwAR3gcxbb7E0CJQNi1FA3Wf9Vv_PeKCvZwR7jcvz2JQeKI-PuwXtX6KxR0tk

Paredes added, “So express away but own what you say. Freedom has consequences.” JB

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Follow @KHallareINQ on Twitter
TAGS: Aga Muhlach, inflation, jim paredes, Lea Salonga, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV

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