Singer and known diehard Duterte supporter Jimmy Bondoc has clarified the recent issue involving fellow singer Paolo Santos and the online tribute concert for President Rodrigo Duterte.

On August 30, Bondoc and fellow Duterte supporters in the music industry conducted an online concert aimed at giving tribute to the “hardworking” President.

The online concert was organized by Bondoc who is a Duterte-appointee to the PAGCOR as Vice President for Corporate Social Responsibility.

During the initial invite released by Bondoc, Paolo Santos was named as one of the performers.

However, days after the announcement, Santos took to Facebook to deny any involvement in the said concert.

Meanwhile, in an interview on DZRH, Bondoc denied that there anything political with Santos’ decision to not participate in the concert.

Bondoc explained that it was just a case of miscommunication between the organizers and Santos. He also denied that Paolo’s decision is a political statement saying he believes that Santos continues to support Duterte.

“Sa buong pagkakaalam ko, hanggang ngayon ay sumusuporta pa si Paolo kay Pangulo and as a matter of fact ay in-appoint niya si Paolo sa MTRCB,” said Bondoc

“Ang napakalinaw sa akin ay iyung pag-backout ni Paolo sa event na iyun ay hindi poltical statement. It was because of miscommunication somewhere in our system.

“Pero hindi political statement. I think si Paolo ang dapat tanungin, pero ako sa buong pagkakaalam ko walang nabago sa suporta ni Paolo sa Pangulo,” he added.

However, in Santos’ Facebook post the singer said that his decision to set the record straight and deny involvement in the concert came after he was called out by his concerned family and friends.

An indirect admission that he doesn’t want to be associated anymore with the cult-like DDS.

“To avoid any confusion and to clarify to my friends and family concerned…It has come to my attention that an announcement is going around saying I am one of the participants in a concert scheduled for Aug 30 called ‘Songs for Duterte.”’I’d like to make it clear here that I am not participating in it and have nothing to do with it. I thank those who called my attention to it and showed concern.”
Bondoc in the interview meanwhile didn’t say if he has already talked to Santos about it. His explanation about Santos’ possible reason for backout was just his own opinion about the matter.