Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada has responded to a viral video circulating on social media, which shows him in what appears to be a confrontation with several individuals. The video has sparked various reactions, prompting Estrada to explain the situation.
“Para sa kaalaman ng lahat, ang tiktok video na kumakalat ay patungkol sa isang insidenteng nangyari nitong April 18, 2024 kung saan nagtungo ako para ipabatid sa mga nasunugang residente ng Brgy. Batis, San Juan City na pansamantalang namamalagi sa isang gymnasium na mamimigay ako ng cash assistance sa kanila kinabukasan,” Estrada said in a statement.
He elaborated that the purpose of his visit was to coordinate the distribution of cash assistance to the fire victims, but this effort was allegedly obstructed by local officials present at the gymnasium. “Ang simpleng pag-aanunsyo na pakay ng mga kinatawan ng aking opisina na nagtungo doon para makipag-coordinate sa kanila, ay pilit na pinipigil ng mga lokal na opisyal ng San Juan,” Estrada recalled.
Estrada explained that after his office representatives were unable to communicate with the officials, he decided to personally go to the site. He stated, “Ito ang nagbunsod para kumprontahin ko ang isa sa kanila. Sa nasabing video, gusto nilang palabasin na ginagamit ko ang aking posisyon para gawin ang gusto kong mangyari.”
He emphasized that his only intention was to assist those affected by the fire. “Opo, ako po ay senador at ginagamit ko ang posisyong ito para makatulong lalong lalo na sa mga taga-San Juan na kinalakihan ko,” Estrada said, dismissing any political motivations behind the video’s circulation.
Estrada concluded by reaffirming his commitment to helping his constituents, regardless of the controversy. “Hinding hindi ako magpapatinag sa mga paninira dahil alam ko na lalabas at lalabas ang katotohanan,” he added.