Kapamilya actress Toni Gonzaga was criticized after she broke her silence on the ABS-CBN franchise denial.
After Congress rejected the application of the Lopez-owned media company, its artists, workers, and supporters started to cry out for an appeal for a second chance.
This was following the retrenchment program that will see the majority of the employees to be laid off, making most of its 11,000 workers jobless amid the pandemic.
Despite Toni’s recent support, some netizens took her optimism as something toxic following her clarification that she is not putting any blame on people in position and their decision should be respected with humility.
She said, “This is a reminder to us that no matter who is in position. Jesus is still the King of Kings. This is to remind our kapamilyas, there is hope. There’s still tomorrow. We will not forget what the people who have power did to us and we respect their decision with all humility,”
She further added that she will continue to stand with the Kapamilya network for it has given her the opportunities that brought her to her current success.
“As one, we will also continue to stand up for our company who gave us so many opportunities to help our families. We don’t know what the future will bring. But we know, God is holding us in the palm of His hands,” she stated.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CCxlf_vBdxp/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Netizens negatively took the statement since Toni seemed like she was sugarcoating things.
oK SO ANGEL LOCSIN with her little remaining respect to toni gonzaga, thanked her for having words.. & toni didn't even reply?!?!
we all know angel is a critic
then here's toni saying her post isn't to blame people in position HALA KA GURL SINO BA NAGPASARA NG ABS, SI SATANAS?? pic.twitter.com/t81QBznnDJ
— chase #DefendPressFreedom (@chaeiseu) July 18, 2020
dear toni gonzaga, since we are talking about religion… kindly open your bible to proverbs 31:8-9. pic.twitter.com/vIF2ikZOwx
— Sey Pizarro (@seypizarro) July 18, 2020
https://twitter.com/JedMabilog/status/1284634558764384259
https://twitter.com/krizzy_kalerqui/status/1285077664642949120
The United Methodist Church since the time of its inception during the Industrial Revolution always stands up against all forms of injustice & political oppression. Methodists are consistently known in fighting against State repression & systemic injustice… EXCEPT TONI GONZAGA! pic.twitter.com/lyNnUDgVvu
— Henry Francis B. Espiritu (@HenryFrancisBE1) July 19, 2020
Others recognized and appreciated Toni for being a great example of a well-mannered artist who displays pure intentions in public. They also believed that being silent in prayer is more powerful and louder than noise. This was following the tirades thrown at her and other artists for not speaking out about the ABS-CBN franchise denial.
You support freedom of expression yet you're forcing Sarah Geronimo, Toni Gonzaga & Nadine Lustre to speak up against the government? Folks, please respect their opinions.
And, even if they speak up, it doesn't change anything. ABS-CBN has been denied for a franchise renewal.
— Noel Soriano (@noelontheroad) July 18, 2020
Iba iba man tayo ng mga paniniwala, but please don't undermine the power of prayer, it is sharper than a knife, shinier than the sun and louder than a noise. We may fight in different ways. Please respect artists like Sarah Geronimo, Nadine Lustre, Toni Gonzaga and Jane de Leon.
— ANZ (@ancelmoooo) July 20, 2020
https://twitter.com/iamjhanicen/status/1284770083080794112
TONI GONZAGA IS TONI GONZAGA! Slaying every note and the feeling of the song…smooth as silk! Tribute na tribute talaga kay Ms. Jessa Zaragoza 🥰👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 #ASAPNatinTo #ToniGonzaga
— 𝐈𝐯𝐚𝐧 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐚 (@ivan_d_queen) July 19, 2020
Toni in her support for the network further stated that the ABS-CBN crisis will be temporary and everyone will rise again from the major downfall.
“Troubles come to pass, they don’t stay. Jesus said, when you go through deep waters I will be with you. One day He [will] wipe these tears away and replace it with JOY beyond compare. Babangon tayong lahat muli,” she posted.