Kapuso actress and global fashion icon Heart Evangelista revealed she skipped the Trillion Peso March last September 21 after receiving alarming threats from netizens.
Many wondered why Evangelista, who is vocal on social media, was not seen at the massive anti-corruption protests in Luneta and the People Power Monument. Speaking through an Instagram Live on September 23, Heart clarified that she wanted to join but chose to prioritize her safety.
“Why wasn’t I in the rally? You think I didn’t want to be in the rally? You think I don’t have a voice? You think I’m not frustrated? You think hindi ako napipikon? Pikon naman din ako ah… bakit hindi ako Pinoy?”
According to the actress, some netizens threatened to humiliate her if she showed up at the demonstration.
“I’m not in the rally is because you said—a lot of people said—na huhubaran n’yo ako kung pupunta ako sa rally. How cruel can you be? What did I do? Huhubaran n’yo ako sa rally? I have been nothing but a hardworking citizen. I have complied,” she said, visibly emotional.
Heart stressed that she is just as angry and frustrated as other Filipinos over corruption, but explained that her absence does not mean she is indifferent.
“For you questioning me why I’m not in the rally—you think I don’t have a burning flame in my heart? That I feel like I have a lump in my neck or my throat? That I have nothing to say? I have so many things to say because it is unfair,” she added.
Despite being unable to join physically, Evangelista expressed solidarity with rally participants and prayed for government leaders to make the right choices.
“I am praying for us all sana gabayan ni Lord ’yung mga nakaupo para gawin nila kung ano ’yung tama… do not stay silent, speak up.”
Heart is the wife of former Senate President Chiz Escudero.
