After the backlash that Camarines Sur Vice Governor Imelda Papin received from netizens because she took part in the “Iisang Dagat” music video, Malacanang came to the defense of the song which was supposed to be about China and the Philippines fighting COVID-19 together.
In an interview on GMA Super Radyo dzBB, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, Jr. said that everyone has the right to freedom of speech
“Sa ating Saligang Batas naman, lahat tayo mayroong karapatan ng malayang pananalita. Ang isang video na kasama ‘yung mga awitin, kabahagi ‘yan ng karapatan ng malayang pananalita.”
This right is not just exclusive to Filipino citizens but also to foreigners who are residing in the country.
“Ang sabi ng ating Korte Suprema, lahat ng karapatan sa ating bill of rights ay binibigay din natin sa mga dayuhan na naninirahan sa ating bayan.”
Papin immediately defended herself after receiving criticism for appearing in the said music video.
In an interview with Mario Dumaual of ABS-CBN News, the singer argued that the song was about peace and unity, and she was personally picked by Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian to take part in the tribute song, “Hayaan natin sila ipagdasal ko na lang. Kasi hindi naman ako nag-presenta. Ako mismo ang kinuha . . . bilang chosen artist ni Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian, the composer of the song.
“At ang message ng song, it’s all about unity, awitin ng pagkakaisa, pagtutulungan at pag asa.”
She also hopes that her voice would serve as an inspiration to boost the morale of fellow Filipinos,
“Dapat huwag bigyan ng kulay. Kasi mababa ang morale ng tao ngayon. Dapat sa pamamagitan ng boses ko ay tumaas mang moral ng ibang tao at makapagbigay-inspirasyon na ngayon ang panahon na dapat mag kaisa wala na munang away.”
Lastly, Papin said that she didn’t get paid for lending her voice to the song and is just praying for the unity of the Philippines.
“I pray for everyone and as Filipinos let us all pray together and heal as one! Hindi ako sumingil kahit isang centavo. For love and unity.”
