Film Development Council of the Philippines chairman and CEO, Jose “Joey” Javier Reyes, has called on the media to focus on Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo’s accomplishments rather than the ongoing family dispute involving his mother, Angelica Yulo.
Carlos Yulo’s double gold medal victory at the Paris Olympics has been overshadowed by his mother’s recent social media posts and media interviews. Angelica Yulo publicly disapproved of her son’s girlfriend, content creator Chloe San Jose, diverting attention from Yulo’s historic achievement to his personal life.
Reyes expressed concern that the media’s coverage of the family drama detracts from the pride the nation feels for Yulo’s accomplishments.
“My dear colleagues in media: He just lifted the spirit of the nation by winning two Olympic gold medals. The people are overwhelmed with pride and joy. So please don’t give media space to a drama queen mother who wants to tarnish the moment of glory of her own son regardless of personal reason,” Reyes stated.
He urged that Angelica Yulo’s narrative be collectively ignored to maintain focus on Yulo’s success. “She and her narrative should be collectively ignored. Mabuhay ka, Caloy! Mabuhay ang mga atletang Pilipino,” he added.
Reyes’ sentiment was echoed by notable figures such as film producer Malou Choa-Fagar and singer-songwriter Jim Paredes. Film and commercial director Mark Meily humorously remarked that Angelica Yulo had replaced Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo as the new public antagonist. “Hindi na si Alice Guo ang kaaway ng buong Pilipinas. Napalitan na siya ng Nanay ni Carlos Yulo,” Meily joked.
In response to the controversy, Angelica Yulo’s legal counsel, Raymond Fortun, announced plans to seek help from the National Bureau of Investigation and pursue legal action against those spreading false accusations. “The public is hereby informed that all statements made attributed to Mrs. Yulo and/or any of her children that are critical of, disparaging, or tend to tarnish the accomplishments of her son, Carlos Edriel Yulo are untrue, fake, and mere products of imagination and fantasy by heretofore unknown individuals,” Fortun stated.
Fortun also reminded the public that sharing fake posts and making harsh or libelous comments could result in prosecution under the Anti-Cybercrime Law, advising individuals to delete such comments to avoid legal consequences.
