Former senator Kiko Pangilinan responded to online comments after photos of him and his wife, Sharon Cuneta, with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Marcos circulated on social media. The photos were taken during the Konsyerto sa Palasyo para sa Pelikulang Pilipino at Malacañang, where the couple attended to support the local film industry.
Pangilinan clarified his presence at the event, saying, “I attended the concert in support of the local film industry upon the invitation of Malacañang and to accompany my wife, Sharon, considered by many as one of the pillars of the nation’s film industry.”
He also addressed criticisms suggesting his attendance contradicted his principles. “Showing up to support and appreciate the initiatives of Malacañang that we ourselves support and advocate does not mean we have abandoned our principles,” Pangilinan said.
The former senator thanked Malacañang for initiatives aligned with his advocacies, such as banning POGOs and defending Philippine sovereignty. “We thank Malacañang for supporting Philippine Cinema just as we support Malacañang’s decision to ban POGOs and its position in defending our sovereignty against Chinese aggression.”
Pangilinan emphasized that shared causes should not be seen as political contradictions. “We show up where our principles and causes meet, and we continue to stand for what we believe,” he concluded.
