Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) Director-General Vivian Velez reacted to the controversial post of Lea Salonga wherein the Broadway star expressed her frustration with what was happening in the Philippines.
Posting Lea’s quote, Vivian said that people should love the country even with its flaws as unity is needed at this time.
“Philippine history is pockmarked with painful legacies.
“When will you guys realize this rotten system Duterte seeks to dismantle would not just fade without giving a fight… the oligarchy, political opposition, the druglords and their protectors, human rights activists, NPAs, terrorists…all going against the president to stop change, not to mention the foreign intervention.
“We are on a correcting stage and unity is our lifejacket at this increasingly divisive time. I say, let’s love our country flaws and all. #MahalKongPilipinas.”
Some of Vivian’s followers also lambasted Lea in the comments section. One said, “Shame on you lea..matalino ka pero nagpakabobo ka this time.”
Another said, “Magiging lea salongganisa na siya talaga.”
But some believe that Lea’s post was referring to the guilty verdict of Maria Ressa handed down by the Manila Regional Trial Court for cyber libel and to the anti-terrorism bill.
Recently, Vivian defended Pinky Amador who was criticized after getting caught on a video shouting and cursing at the hotel employees in Makati. She said that the employees should be sued for the alleged violation committed against Pinky.
During the ABS-CBN issue on franchise renewal, she exposed, with somewhat shady motives, Angel Locsin as one of the Top 100 stockholders of ABS-CBN. But after Locsin clarified the issue in one of her posts, Velez apologized to her.
