Amidst mounting criticism, Almira Cercado, the eldest member of the famed Pinoy girl group 4th Impact, has broken her silence to staunchly defend her sisters and their endeavors.
Taking to Instagram, Almira shared a heartfelt statement alongside a childhood photo of her and her siblings, urging an end to the negativity. She declared, “PLS STOP THE HATE and SPREAD LOVE. I will not let anyone stop our dreams. I will defend my group and my family. My sisters are the most amazing humans I know,” accompanied by the hashtag #notocyberbullying.
The controversy erupted last month when the group faced backlash over their fundraising campaign aimed at constructing a “dreamland” for their 200 dogs. Critics labeled the move as “irresponsible pet ownership” and “ridiculous.”
Addressing the criticism, Almira clarified that the dogs were gifts from fans and not related to each other. As the dogs multiplied rapidly, they were responsibly rehomed with friends capable of caring for them. She expressed the emotional toll of letting go of the dogs, emphasizing their commitment to their welfare.
The issue also involved allegations regarding the group’s attendance at the “Eras Tour.” Almira clarified that they attended a concert in Los Angeles, not Singapore, as misconstrued by some.
Highlighting their genuine intentions, Almira explained the genesis of their GoFundMe campaign, initiated after receiving a noise complaint from a neighbor. Although the campaign fell short of its goal, Almira promptly refunded the donations.
Emphasizing their dedication to their pets, Almira asserted, “We are NEVER irresponsible pet owners,” and vowed to continue working towards providing them a better future.
However, the controversy sparked discussions on the legality and ethics of backyard breeding. A veterinarian, Doc Gab, emphasized on Instagram that backyard breeding is illegal in the Philippines, citing the Animal Welfare Act.
4th Impact, composed of siblings Almira, Irene, Mylene, and Celina, gained prominence on The X Factor UK in 2015. Despite challenges, they remain steadfast in pursuing their dreams and advocating for animal welfare.