Panelo tells Sharon Cuneta: No apology is necessary

MANILA, Philippines — Former chief presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo said Friday there was no need for megastar Sharon Cuneta to apologize over her call-out post after he sang her signature song “Sana’y Wala Nang Wakas” in a campaign event.

“I don’t want to assume that your apology is for me because I was not named, but no apology for me is necessary. I was not hurt. I just felt sad that you felt slighted or offended, and I apologize for that. I had no intention to do that at all,” Panelo said in a statement.

Panelo noted that just like Cuneta’s husband Senator Francis Pangilinan and his party mates, their team also wants to entertain their audiences during campaign rallies.

“It just so happened that ‘Sana’y Wala Nang Wakas’ holds a special place in my heart, and that’s why I chose it. I have been singing it for a very long time for my special child, Carlo,” he noted.

“I know you would not have reacted that way if you knew that so I understand you, and hold no ill will towards you,” Panelo said.

Earlier this month, Cuneta expressed dismay over Panelo’s use of her signature song in a campaign event for vice presidential candidate Sara Duterte-Carpio, saying Panelo should not have tarnished a classic song.

Panelo later explained that he sings “Sana’y Wala Nang Wakas” to honor his late son who had Down Syndrome and died of heart complications in 2017.

In a Facebook post on Thursday, Cuneta apologized for her initial reaction, saying the way she conveyed her dismay was a mistake since she chose to deliver it through jokes and sarcasm.

She also said she did not know that Panelo remembered his child through the song and that he thought of using it to raise awareness for the needs of special children.

Panelo said in his latest statement that because of the issue, the song has taken a new meaning for many as one depicting the unconditional love of a parent for his or her child, especially those with special needs.

“More are also now aware of the plight of children with disabilities (CWD) and their families. I hope this gives you comfort amid the difficulties you encountered with this issue,” he added.

Panelo said he is also very pleased to know that Cuneta has been supporting CWDs, and that he is sure that Cuneta knows the lack of government support for them.

“I hope that, through you, Team Leni Kiko can cross party lines to join our advocacy to provide free therapy and special education for CWDs, and nursing homes or facilities for orphaned or abandoned CWDs,” he said.

“I also hope that you can personally and publicly advocate for the same. With your star power, I am certain that the movement can gain more support. CWDs have a better chance if we’re all in this together,” Panelo further stated.

/MUF