Sparkle artist and ‘Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition’ Big Winner Mika Salamanca has broken her silence following backlash over her friendship with Veronica “Kitty” Duterte, daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Mika, who joined the September 21 anti-corruption rally at the People Power Monument, was accused by some netizens of being “two-faced” for marching against corruption while being close to so-called “nepo babies” like Kitty.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Mika issued a public apology: “i understand where the disappointment and frustration are coming from and i am truly sorry. if i can only say one thing about this, i assure you that i stand and will always stand with the people.”
She admitted having “questionable choices” in friends, especially during difficult moments in her life, but maintained that her political stance has always been consistent.
“yes i admit that i had questionable choices of friends when i was at my lowest, but one thing has always been clear to me, i’ve always made sure to stand my ground even during those times. i spoke about what i believed in no matter who i was around.”
Mika Salamanca unfollowed Kitty D and Gela A
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Before releasing her apology, netizens had already noticed that Mika unfollowed Kitty Duterte on Instagram. A check of both their accounts confirmed that they no longer follow each other, although both still follow their mutual friend Dani Raymundo.
Mika’s friendship with Kitty was never a secret. In one episode of ‘PBB Celebrity Collab Edition’, Mika openly told fellow housemate Shuvee Etrata: “Kaibigan ko talaga ’yon [si Kitty]. Lagi kaming magkasama. May sarili kaming group friends ni Kitty. Actually, tatlo kami—si Dani, ako, and Kitty.”
They also appeared in TikTok videos together with Dani before Mika’s Big Winner stint.
The issue gained more heat as it coincided with news that the International Criminal Court (ICC) had filed three counts of murder against former President Duterte over his bloody anti-drug campaign, allegations classified as crimes against humanity.
So far, Kitty Duterte has not released any reaction to Mika’s unfollow or public apology.
