President and CEO of IBC-13 faced significant backlash from online users after making a controversial remark regarding the audience of Willie Revillame during a budget deliberation for the state-run TV network in the Senate on Monday, September 18.
During the deliberation, IBC-13 President Jose Policarpio Jr. was questioned about the rumors surrounding Willie Revillame potentially bringing his variety show Wowowin to IBC-13.
Policarpio confirmed these discussions, emphasizing their desire to transform IBC-13 from merely a government station and enhance their entertainment programming through Revillame’s involvement.
“So we bring in Willie Revillame – it will be more of a program that will cater to entertainment to the lowest of the lowest among the people,” he said.
WATCH: Willie Revillame in a gov't TV program for the 'lowest of the lowest'?
PTV 4 and IBC 13 are in 'negotiations' with TV host Willie Revillame for a program that the channels' heads hope would 'eliminate their ID as government channels.'
'So we bring in Willie Revillame –… pic.twitter.com/ZbxIYnUBFm
— Rappler (@rapplerdotcom) September 18, 2023
However, Policarpio’s statement triggered a wave of negative reactions from many netizens, with the majority criticizing him for using derogatory language.
Former Congressman Teddy Baguilat expressed his strong disapproval of the IBC-13 executive’s disrespectful characterization of the audience.
“Government communications team defining the masa as lowest of the lowest.”
Government communications team defining the masa as lowest of the lowest.
— Teddy B. Baguilat (@TeddyBaguilatJr) September 18, 2023
Social activist Elizabeth Angsioco criticized the term, reminding the IBC president that the audience Policarpio referred to as “lowest of the lowest” contributes to their salaries through taxation.
““Lowest of the lowest?” Kung sa gobyerno ka nagtatrabaho, sila ang nagpapasweldo sa iyo.”
“Lowest of the lowest?” Kung sa gobyerno ka nagtatrabaho, sila ang nagpapasweldo sa iyo. https://t.co/hYtHYzfz03
— elizabeth angsioco (@bethangsioco) September 18, 2023
@heyyzamm echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that these individuals are the ones who fund their salaries.
“Lowest of the lowest ka diyan. They are the ones that pay for your salaries!!!”
Lowest of the lowest ka diyan. They are the ones that pay for your salaries!!! https://t.co/hc9Lqd5b0b
— zammzamm (@heyyzamm) September 19, 2023
@bacontan2 pointed out that these individuals in question require government services, not just television shows and entertainment.
“Lowest of the lowest” are those who are – homeless; can’t afford to buy a sinelas; in abusive work condition where sleep is a luxury; eats 5 meals a week at d most; breathing is d only reason to live, etc. They need badly GOVT SUPPORT & ASSISTANCE, NOT A TV SHOW”
"Lowest of the lowest" are those who are – homeless; can't afford to buy a sinelas; in abusive work condition where sleep is a luxury; eats 5 meals a week at d most; breathing is d only reason to live, etc. They need badly GOVT SUPPORT & ASSISTANCE, NOT A TV SHOW
— B O K E H (@Bacontan2) September 18, 2023
@rogertagabe stressed the importance of the IBC official being mindful of his words as a representative of a government communication channel.
“As a government communications channel, they should be required to have an extensive vocabulary so that they will not use inane and poorly worded language like “lowest of the lowest” to describe the people they serve”
As a government communications channel, they should be required to have an extensive vocabulary so that they will not use inane and poorly worded language like “lowest of the lowest” to describe the people they serve https://t.co/AGxJQYiPlN
— Zayn Malik Delgaty (@rogertagabe) September 18, 2023
@daveafred11 condemned Policarpio for his inappropriate and offensive remarks.
“So, they define people as lowest of the lowest?? Shame on you. We don’t deserve this government.”
So, they define people as lowest of the lowest?? Shame on you. We don't deserve this government. https://t.co/kfkIvRaG9n
— Terry | Manifesting for good SY (@DaveAlfred11) September 18, 2023
Willie Revillame’s variety show is reportedly finding a new residence on IBC-13 and PTV4 following the unsuccessful launch of ALLTV.
