Asia’s Multimedia star Alden Richard denounced the act of celebrity-shaming which recently happened to several personalities who expressed their views online.
In an exclusive interview with GMANetwork.com, the Kapuso actor reminded everyone that a celebrity’s actions can greatly influence others with their wide following.
“Siyempre, celebrities tayo, mayroon tayong following, mayroon tayong mga supporters. Ang nakakatuwa kasi kapag may mga supporters ang isang celebrity like me, ‘yung mga supporters ko kapag I shared a good campaign with good intentions, naka-follow sila, e.
“Kumbaga network ‘yan, e. Parang it starts from you, goes down to your followers, the loved ones of your followers, etc. etc,” he said.
‘He added, “Yung influence talaga napakaimportante ngayon. Especially nga now na madali ang access sa social media. Lahat may smart phone na, lahat nagkakaroon na ng access sa internet.”
In this time of pandemic and crisis, Alden noted that public figures or celebrities are responsible for spreading truthful information.
“Us being public figures or celebrities, we have the obligation to be responsible for the distribution of true information to the public. ‘Yun ‘yung nagagawa namin as public figures.”
The actor condemned how celebrities are being criticized online by sharing their views on global or national issues like the COVID-19 outbreak.
“Kasi tingin ng iba, I’m not generalizing everyone, but siguro may iba na kapag nagpa-participate ang isang celebrity sa isang campaign against a global issue like now it’s COVID-19, parang hindi kasi essential and I totally disagree to that.
“Every public personality is essential for the distribution of truthful information to the public and the public deserves true information.
“Parang du’n sila nagre-rely, e. Du’n nagre-rely ang public sa mga information na nakukuha nila. Kung paano sila mabubuhay everyday. They don’t deserve fake news,” Alden said.
Alden was chosen as one of the Department of Health’s (DOH) campaign ambassadors through its anti-COVID-19 initiative dubbed as “BIDA Solusyon.”
Among the celebrities who have been active in expressing their views online are Angel Locsin, K Brosas, and Jennylyn Mercado. Although they received support from some, these celebrities have been receiving heavy criticisms as well for speaking out their thoughts about the current issues faced by the country.
