Actors Aga Muhlach and Bea Alonzo’s message for Senator Antonio Trillanes IV to quit criticizing those in power sparked controversy on social media.
They made these statements on ABS-CBN’s evening show, “Gandang Gabi Vice” or “GGV” hosted by Vice Ganda. The episode was aired on October 14, but the conversations on social media lasted through last weekend.
On the show, Alonzo and Muhlach asked Trillanes, whose photo was being flashed, why he’s not getting tired criticizing the president.
Muhlach, however, went on and advised the senator to help and support the president instead.
This sparked online questions whether or not the actors, specifically Muhlach, are suggesting to silence those who oppose the government with their statements.
Senatorial aspirant Mocha Uson, a vocal supporter of the administration, even joined in and proclaimed her support for Muhlach and Alonzo on Facebook.
The TV guesting was to promote the new Star Cinema film “First Love” directed by Paul Soriano, the husband of actress Toni Gonzaga. It opened on October 17 in cinemas nationwide.
Are we really getting tired?
Uson shared her two cents on her blog and tells her followers that Muhlach said nothing wrong on the show.
She later urged her supporters to catch “First Love” in theaters.
“Nanawagan pa ang iba na i-boycott daw ang pelikula nila ni Bea Alonzo na FIRST LOVE. Kaya ako po ay nananawagan na suportahan natin ang pelikula nila ni AGA MUHLACH. Dahil para sa akin maganda ang kanyang sinabi na tulungan nalang natin ang ating gobyerno,” Uson shared.
Earlier criticisms of Muhlach’s statement involve calls to boycott the movie altogether.
‘Tumulong na lang kayo sana’
In a segment of the show called “Tanong Mo, Mukha Mo,” a photo of Trillanes was flashed onscreen and in front of Vice Ganda, Alonzo and Muhlach.
Vice Ganda then made them ask a question to Trillanes as if he were there. Muhlach and Alonzo’s question was: “Aren’t you tired yet?”
Muhlach, however, went on and further expressed his frustration over the senator’s actions.
“Kahit sinong presidente umuupo, sinisiraan. Eto, ginagawa naman ng presidente natin nakaupo ngayon ang ginagawa niya. Maraming hindi masaya sa kanya, pero punto ko ‘yung mga nakapuwesto rin, tumulong na lang kayo sana.”
The recording of Muhlach’s comment on Trillanes had since been deleted on ABS-CBN’s website. Some users, however, were able to made copies of it online.
Critics were quick to denounce Muhlach’s opinion on Trillanes, reminding him that dissent against the government is part of democracy.
Twitter user @kaeofficial perceived that the award-winning figure’s political belief is misplaced.
Muhlach, Alonzo and the administration
Both Muhlach and Alonzo had supported President Rodrigo Duterte and his administration, despite not being as vocal as other public figures.
Last March, Duterte, accompanied by Bong Go and other officials, visited the wake of his late father Alvaro “Cheng” Muhlach.
Two years ago, Muhlach also shared screenshots of news reports on Instagram to praise Duterte for his work.
Such posts surfaced again on Twitter amid the controversy.
Alonzo, meanwhile, once voiced her support for Duterte on Twitter for the 2016 elections.