Shuvee Etrata apologizes after resurfaced video sympathizing with Rodrigo Duterte

Updated: 2:02 p.m.

Shuvee Etrata issued an apology after she faced backlash over her old video expressing sympathy for former President Rodrigo Duterte following his arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC) last March.

Meanwhile, her uncle-manager lashed out at the “cancel culture” in Philippine showbiz just because of one’s political leanings. 

Etrata took to her Instagram Story on Tuesday, Sept. 23, to acknowledge that she has hurt her fans with her previous comment on Duterte’s ICC arrest.

“Bago lang po lahat to sa akin (This is all new to me). Kaya pasensya na po sa lahat ng na-disappoint at nasaktan ko (So I apologize to everyone I disappointed and hurt). I understand that what I said in the past caused hurt to some, and I take responsibility for it,” she wrote. 

The “Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition” alumna asserted that she has learned her lesson and promises to continue “to learn and grow.”

“Sa totoo lang po, iniiwasan ko po talaga ang magsalita tungkol sa politics dahil napaka-divisive nito. Ang mas mahalaga sa akin ngayon ay ang mahalin ang bayan at manindigan laban sa sumisira nito tulad ng korapsyon. Lalo na po ngayon,” she said.

(To be honest, I try to avoid talking about politics because it’s very divisive. What’s more important to me now is to love the country and stand up against what’s destroying it, like corruption. Especially now.) 

“Huwag po kayong mag-alala, natuto na po ako (Don’t worry, I’ve learned). Lalawakan ko pa po ang pag-iisip ko para sa ating lahat (I will continue to expand my mind for all of us). I will continue to learn and grow. Mahal ko po kayo at mahal ko ang Pilipinas lalo na sa panahon ngayon (I love you, and I love the Philippines, especially now). I stand for and with the Filipino people, always,” concluded the actress. 

A clip from Etrata’s TikTok live last March 12, in which she said that Duterte’s arrest made her emotional, resurfaced on social media this week following the nationwide protest against corruption on Sunday, Sept. 21, where many Filipino celebrities participated.

“Naiiyak talaga ako kagabi, empath kasi ako. Like sa lugar kasi namin, ang laki kasi ng tulong ni PRRD, like ang drugs talaga guys, ang laki na thing na ‘yun. Hindi ko alam sa inyo pero nagpapasalamat talaga ako kay Duterte,” Etrata said in Cebuano dialect. 

(I really cried last night because I’m an empath. In our area, PRRD was a huge help, especially with drugs. Really guys, that’s a big thing. I don’t know about you, but I’m really grateful to Duterte.) 

praising duterte?? in the big year of 2025??? https://t.co/PAw7Wvhgcy pic.twitter.com/N25JlQtl6t

— ً (@XOBLYANRKIVE) September 22, 2025

Etrata’s remarks were perceived as “saddening” by netizens, as they seemed to “support” Duterte’s crimes against humanity in relation to his war on drugs or extrajudicial killings.

“Ang saklap rin talaga na maraming ganito rin ang iniisip. Never talaga magiging justifiable ang bloody and violent war on drugs ni Duterte lalo na at maraming inosente ang nadamay,” wrote one netizen. 

(It’s also really sad that many people think the same way. Duterte’s bloody and violent war on drugs will never be justifiable, especially since so many innocent people have been affected.)

“Shuvee Etrata being a DDS is no longer just an allegation, this video is confirmation. What makes me even angrier is that she’s actually okay with the killings,” added another netizen.

Uncle hits showbiz cancel culture

After Shuvee’s statement, her uncle and manager, Yuri Etrata, defended the actress’ political stance, mocking those who voted for former Vice President Leni Robredo and critics of the Dutertes.

“Shuvee, there was nothing wrong with what you did in expressing support for former President Duterte. It’s just that the Liberal kakampwets [who] hate him and anyone who supports him,” wrote Yuri in a now-deleted Instagram story. 

Yuri lamented that his niece is being canceled for being a Duterte supporter as he expressed his desire for someone from the latter’s family to become president again. 

“The liberal kakampwets are in the minority, but they are like dogs on the loose, attacking those who do not agree with them. It just sucks that you are in showbiz where people in the industry would be so quick to cancel Duterte supporters just because of the ABS franchise shutdown,” he said. 

“Come 2028, these dogs will be barking like crazy because it will be a Duterte who becomes this country’s president again. That is, if walang dayaan. But God is powerful. He won’t allow the wicked to prosper, 32M DDS votes vs. 15M Kakampwet votes,” Yuri further said.

Amid the backlash, Shuvee joined fellow “It’s Showtime” hosts on Monday in wearing white in solidarity with Filipinos in their fight against corruption. She currently serves as a semi-regular host of the noontime show.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, the ICC released the summary and details of the charges filed against Duterte, specifically for murder and attempted murder committed during his time as Davao City mayor and later as President. /edv