Singer-actor JK Labajo is under fire for using profanity during his performance at the Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo City. Mayor Jerry Treñas is calling for a public apology, stating that his choice of words was inappropriate for a religious event.
Labajo performed on January 24, singing his hit song Ere, which contains explicit lyrics. Mayor Treñas expressed his disapproval, emphasizing that the festival is a cultural and religious celebration. “We will do something about it. We will not tolerate this,” he told the media.
The Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. (IFFI), which organized the event, admitted that while they review the lineup of artists, they do not check the specific songs performed. “Normally, we require a list of performers and events for security and safety purposes, but we do not screen the setlists,” the group said in a statement.
City Councilor Rex Marcus, however, defended Labajo, arguing that the performance took place in a concert setting, not during a religious rite. “It was not a disruption of religious rights,” he said, adding that other inappropriate behaviors during the festival went unnoticed.
As of now, Labajo has not issued a statement regarding the controversy or the mayor’s request for an apology.
