Filipino-British singer and actor Jarren Garcia has found himself at the center of controversy following his guest stint as a news reporter on ABS-CBN’s TV Patrol. The young star was tasked with reporting on the visitors attending the wake of the late Gloria Romero, a well-respected icon in the Philippine entertainment industry. However, his performance drew mixed reactions from netizens, particularly due to his unfamiliarity with deep Tagalog words, accent, and enunciation.
The disrespect to Miss Gloria Romero, sana sa susunod kapag mala kinder bumasa ang starlet hwag na ipapilit, kasi nakaka bastos sa pagkamatay ng isang well respected icon in the industry.
— X (@povniganda) January 29, 2025
At yung mga fans niya who found it cute, jusko kayo ubusin niyo na ticket sa album niyan. pic.twitter.com/JgHLDbI65N
Online criticism: “disrespectful” and “unprofessional”
A viral clip of Garcia’s report quickly spread on X (formerly Twitter), with users scrutinizing his delivery and questioning ABS-CBN’s decision to cast him in such a significant role. The original post containing the clip bore a scathing caption:
“The disrespect to Miss Gloria Romero, sana sa susunod kapag mala kinder bumasa ang starlet hwag na ipapilit, kasi nakaka-bastos sa pagkamatay ng isang well-respected icon in the industry. At yung mga fans niya who found it cute, jusko kayo ubusin niyo na ticket sa album niyan.”
this dude is prob nice but for the love of the country, if you're a halfie who wants to become an actor here at least have the decency to learn our language. if your gonna milk this country, at least learn speaking in straight filipino https://t.co/Bg0baSUNHG
— 🐚 (@cincosunn) January 29, 2025
Many viewers pointed out Garcia’s struggle with fluency and articulation, suggesting that he should have been given more preparation before being placed on national television.
“Okay naman sana, kaso pinractice muna sana nila. Parang on-the-spot pinabasa e.”
“Di manlang ba pinarehearse o praktis yan? Jusko, parang Grade 1. Nasa national TV pa talaga pinagbasa.”
One particularly harsh critique came from a user who condemned the network for prioritizing a celebrity over trained journalists.
“This is not only disrespectful to the late Gloria Romero but also to those who have graduated in the field of broadcasting yet haven’t been given opportunities like this. The hard work and dedication they’ve invested to become professionals are being completely disregarded when TV Patrol prioritizes placing a celebrity, who lacks the passion and commitment for delivering news, in such a role. This clearly suggests that TV Patrol’s primary goal is not journalistic integrity but merely increasing viewership, which is truly disheartening and unacceptable.”
Supporters defend Garcia: “Not his fault”
Despite the wave of criticism, some netizens came to Garcia’s defense, emphasizing that he did not intentionally deliver the report poorly and that his struggles with Filipino should not be held against him.
“Utang na loob, paki-delete nalang. It’s understandable kasi laking London yan. Napaka-perfect nyo naman! Kala nyo kung hindi kayo nagkakamali, tsk.”
“He didn’t do this on purpose. Wala kabang utak? Of course, he grew up in London, yun palang understandable na mahihirapan talaga siyang magbanggit ng ibang Tagalog words or may accent talaga yung pagbanggit niya ng malalalim na Tagalog words. Think before you click.”
He didn't did this on purpose, wala kabang utak ofc he grew up in london yun palang understandable na mahihirapan talaga siyang magbanggit ng ibang tagalog words or may accent talaga yung pagbanggit niya ng malalalim na tagalog words. Think before you click.
— jarren g. 🐬 (@allforjrmh) January 29, 2025
Some fans even redirected the blame toward ABS-CBN’s management.
“Edi sisihin mo ang management at TV Patrol bakit nila sinalang agad si Jarren diyan.”
“If I were the executive producer of that mini-newscast, PINAGMUMURA ko talaga agad ang staff off-air. Kahiya-hiya yung ginawa niya. Eh di sana pinag-promote na lang ng album launching/concert since yun lang naman ang pakay niya.”
Garcia, born in London in 2007, first gained prominence as a contestant on The Voice Kids UK in 2020, later cementing his status as a rising star in the Philippines through Pinoy Big Brother Gen 11.
