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.”
READ: Lea Salonga on backlash against Aga Muhlach: ‘This is supposed to be a democracy’
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?)
Lea Salonga defends Aga: It is our right and duty to criticize our leaders.
Ayaw magsalita tungkol sa inflation pero "it's our duty to criticize" pagdating kay Trillanes? Seriously, what is happening to you, @MsLeaSalonga?
— Ogie Rosa (@ogie_rosa) October 24, 2018
“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.”
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.”
Apparently the internet is also selective in which posts of mine to highlight. Sen. Trillanes has every right to criticize, too. It’s his job. And it’s great that he is as outspoken as he is. But by the same token, he needs to be open to criticism from others, too.
— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) October 24, 2018
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?”
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? enlighten me please
— Paolo (@docelmer63) October 24, 2018
“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.”
Persecute, no. It’s never okay to go after someone just because they disagree with you. Prosecute, only if that offender did something against the law. But even then. Makes no sense. My opinion only.
— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) October 24, 2018
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.
And if I may, thank you for your sober tone in this discussion. I truly appreciate it, and am learning from you in the process.
— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) October 24, 2018
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.”
Paredes added, “So express away but own what you say. Freedom has consequences.” JB
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