(From left) Kiko Pangilinan, President Bongbong Marcos, Liza Araneta-Marcos, and Sharon Cuneta during the 5th “Konsyerto sa Palasyo.” Image: Instagram/@reallysharoncuneta
Days after attending the annual “Konsyerto sa Palasyo” in Malacañang, former Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan clarified his attendance in the star-studded event was to accompany to his wife, Sharon Cuneta, and show support for the local film industry.
Pangilinan and Cuneta made headlines after snapping a photo with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos on Sunday, December 15, with the Megastar calling the Chief Executive her “favorite in their family,” as she recalled some of her most unforgettable memories at the presidential palace.
Shortly after, Pangilinan was the brunt of criticisms, accusing him of forging an alliance of sorts with their political nemesis — an allegation he was prompted to address.
“I attended the concert in support of the local film industry upon the invitation of Malacañang and to accompany my wife, Sharon, considered by many as one of the pillars of the nation’s film industry,” Pangilinan said in a Facebook post on Tuesday, December 17.
Pangilinan also thanked Malacañang for extending its support to the local film industry, as well as in a number of government policies of which he is supportive of.
“We thank Malacañang for supporting Philippine Cinema just as we support Malacañang’s decision to ban POGOs and its position in defending our sovereignty against Chinese aggression,” he said.
“Showing up to support and appreciate the initiatives of Malacañang that we ourselves support and advocate does not mean we have abandoned our principles,” he further said.
Cuneta, on the other hand, has yet to address the backlash of her post, as some of her followers had told her not to involve herself in politics.
Pangilinan was the running mate of former Vice President Leni Robredo in the 2022 national elections, where he came second to former Davao mayor and current vice president, Sara Duterte.
Aside from Cuneta and Pangilinan, the lead stars of the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) also attended the concert, as the event was also a celebration of the annual festival’s 50th anniversary.