Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan has called out Net25 after its anchors mentioned his wife, actress Sharon Cuneta, in discussions about alleged irregularities in flood-control projects where she had no involvement.
During a program with Senator Dante Marcoleta as guest, anchors Nelson Lubao and Gen Subardiaga urged Cuneta to convince Pangilinan to step down from the Senate blue ribbon committee. The suggestion stemmed from Pangilinan’s support for a separate proposal for an independent probe on the projects. However, the initiative had actually been pushed by Senate Minority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, with Pangilinan merely backing it.
In a strongly worded Facebook post, Pangilinan denounced the anchors’ remarks. “Is it right that in criticizing me, your anchors Nelson Lubao and Gen Subardiaga dragged my wife Sharon into the issue, when she has nothing to do with the corruption in flood control?” he said.
He stressed that Cuneta had been unfairly mocked despite keeping silent on political matters. “This program disrespected Sharon and hurt her feelings, even though she has remained silent and has nothing to do with the corruption issue. Is this to stir discussion and increase your viewership?” Pangilinan asked.
The senator demanded a formal apology from the network and its anchors. “Your anchors disrespected Sharon, insulted her, and wounded her feelings by dragging her into this issue. She deserves a public apology from Net25 and your anchorpersons,” he added.
Pangilinan warned against dragging family members into political debates, saying, “Do not drag innocent people into the issue or disrespect, especially the wives of senators who have nothing to do with Senate matters.”
