Kapamilya actress Julia Montes has once again proven that she’s more than just a screen talent — she’s also an artist with empathy and awareness.
In a recent episode of ‘From the Heart’ with DJ Chacha, Julia candidly spoke about the everyday struggles of Filipino workers, calling attention to the growing gap between wages and the rising cost of living.
“Ang hirap ng buhay. Tumataas lahat ng bilihin pero hindi ang sweldo. Sana kung tumataas ang Pilipinas, tumataas din ang salary,” Julia said, echoing the sentiments of many ordinary citizens.
She observed that while prices of goods and services continue to increase, wages remain stagnant — a situation that she described as “unfair sa mamamayan.”
“So sana kung may tumataas man sa Pilipinas, tumataas din sana ‘yong salary. Kasi hindi nababalanse, e. Ang layo ng [presyo ng] bigas sa suweldo na hindi tumataas. […] So, parang unfair din sa mamamayan,” she explained.
Julia shared that even she, despite her success, worries about daily expenses — which makes her think even more about how difficult it must be for regular employees or workers earning minimum wage.
“Kung ako nga iniisip ko pa ‘yung gagastusin, for sure lalo ‘yung mga regular employee lang. Magkano lang per day. May iba, on call lang. So ang hirap ng buhay,” she said.
The conversation began when DJ Chacha brought up the topic of “nepo babies” — a term used for celebrities who come from influential families. Julia responded that she tends not to judge others, but admitted that she feels sad about the inequalities that exist in society.
“Ako naman, may personality kasi ako na ‘buhay n’yo ‘yan, bahala kayo. Pero siyempre, at the end of the day, nalulungkot din ako,” she said.
DJ Chacha, impressed by Julia’s thoughtful remarks, quipped in response, “Galing ni Julia. Ikaw na lang kaya ang iboto namin sa 2028.”
Julia laughed off the comment, but her words clearly resonated online — with many netizens praising her for voicing what millions of Filipinos have long been feeling.
