Kathryn Bernardo’s Influential award sparks backlash amid silence on PH corruption
Kathryn Bernardo‘s Most Influential Celebrity award drew criticism after netizens pointed out her lack of commentary on government corruption scandals despite her wide reach.
Bernardo, who received her Most Influential Celebrity trophy at the 11th EdukCircle awards, faced backlash on the internet as netizens claimed that the actress “didn’t use her platform” to call out the ongoing corruption in the country amid many celebrities speaking up about it.
“Been a fan of Kathryn for like a decade and this is the first time I will disagree with the award she received. Influential yet didn’t use her voice for what’s needed. You don’t deserve it, Kath,” wrote one fan on X.
“I’ll say it for the first time. She does not deserve any ounce of this award. I saw her acceptance speech on TikTok and she still hasn’t spoken about any issue this country faces right now. Nasa UPD ka pa man din, sis. Influence on things that really matter WHERE?!” chimed in another netizen.
In her acceptance speech, Bernardo highlighted the power of the youth in “fighting for what’s right.”
“Salamat sa mga naniniwala and sana magtulungan tayong lahat, para maging maganda ang kinabukasan ng Pilipinas (Thank you to those who believed. I hope we will help each other for the future of the Philippines),” she said in part.
Despite the actress’ absence and silence on the corruption anomalies, her family showed support to attendees of the nationwide protest against corruption on Sept. 21 by handing out food packs and bottled water to participants of the rally.
As of writing, Bernardo hasn’t addressed the backlash nor spoken up about the corruption issues in the Philippines. She is currently working on her first TV series with James Reid.
Meanwhile, Bernardo shares the Most Influential Celebrity award with Anne Curtis, Marian Rivera, and Dingdong Dantes.
Curtis was among the celebrities who joined the Sept. 21 protest against corruption among government officials and other personalities. She has consistently voiced her frustration on the alleged corruption.
Dantes, on the other hand, previously led a group of celebrities in a fun run in Makati as their way of protesting against the corruption in the country, which culminated in the Sept. 21 twin mass rallies.
At the time, Rivera reposted a post from the League of Filipino Actors (Aktor PH) on her Instagram story, a statement that shows support for the meaningful gathering of the people against corruption. /edv
