MANILA, Philippines — Film director Jose Javier “Joey” Reyes came out with his own list of preferred singer-judges for a singing competition he did not specify.
In his Twitter post Tuesday, Reyes suggested Jed Madela, Gary Valenciano and Morissette Amon to be “replacements,” for the singing competition.
Reyes made the suggestion in the wake of the controversy that is now hounding “Idol Philippines.”
“Suggestion: Jed Madela, Gary Valenciano, Morisette Amon as replacements?” Reyes said Tuesday in a Twitter post.
“Credibility is important … more than celebrity,” he pointed out.
Suggestion: Jed Madela, Gary Valenciano, Morisette Amon as replacements? Credibility is important … more than celebrity.
— Joey Javier Reyes (@DirekJoey) June 4, 2019
The current “Idol Philippines” judges are Regine Velasquez, Moire Dela Torre, James Reid and Vice Ganda.
The judges, except Velasquez, have been receiving flak after turning down an aspiring reggae singer.
READ: ‘Idol Philippines’ draws mixed reactions for rejecting reggae singer
While some quarters agreed with Reyes’ suggestions, others criticized him for supposedly “opening an avenue” to bash the current judges.
“Suggestion: do not open an avenue for bashing of the existing judges chosen by the franchise,” one netizen commented.
Suggestion: do not open an avenue for bashing of the existing judges chosen by the franchise.
— iAmAyeneses 🌴🌿🌴🌿🌴🌿 (@jadinelk) June 4, 2019
Another netizen said: “This is crab-mentality at its finest. Kaya hindi umuunlad ang Pilipinas eh.”
This is crab-mentality at its finest. Kaya hindi umuunlad ang Pilipinas eh.
— Clare (@hermitclare) June 4, 2019
Reyes apologized for his comment, saying: “A misstep to make the suggestions. We all want the show to work to give chance to new talents. My apologies for the insensitivity.” /gsg
A misstep to make the suggestions. We all want the show to work to give chance to new talents. My apologies for the insensitivity.
— Joey Javier Reyes (@DirekJoey) June 4, 2019