Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid is calling for a dialogue with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., as she voiced growing frustration over government inaction, corruption, and environmental neglect.
In part two of her candid interview with Janno Gibbs and Bing Loyzaga on their YouTube vlog, Regine admitted that while she’s never been a political person, recent events, especially the flooding in Cebu, have pushed her to speak out more openly.
“Actually ako, hindi talaga ako political na tao. Pero kapag may nakikita akong injustice, like ‘yung nangyari sa Cebu, I was very upset,” she said.
Regine shared that her instinct is always to donate quietly, but she now feels increasingly frustrated and powerless despite having built a respected name in the industry.
“Nai-stress din ako and yet I can’t do anything about it… May pinaghirapan akong pangalan, so I think, I can do something. Pero mari-realize ko na wala… Do’n ako napu-frustrate,” she added.
The singer expressed anger over ongoing issues such as flooding, despite existing programs and high taxes paid by citizens like her.
“I don’t like na hanggang ngayon, binabaha pa rin tayo. Ano nangyayari? There’s a program for that,” she said.
She revealed her plan to write a letter to President Marcos, expressing her intention to gather signatures from the entertainment industry in support of environmental protection, particularly of Sierra Madre.
“Gusto kong sulatan si Mr. President. Gusto kong magpapirma sa buong industry to protect, not just Sierra Madre,” Regine shared. “’Yun ang gusto kong gawin. I want to ask an audience from Mr. President.”
Last October 21, Regine also went viral on X (formerly Twitter) after she commented on the growing number of corruption exposés in the country.
“In fairness padami ng padami nabubuking. Ang tanong: baka naman hanggang bukingan lang ‘to ha? Sana huwag tayo pumayag na walang mangyari please!!!!!!!!” she posted.
Netizens echoed her concerns, demanding accountability beyond exposés, and warning that “political noise” won’t lead to real change unless action is taken.
Meanwhile, some commenters expressed support for Regine’s boldness, while others debated whether re-electing the current president would help resolve the issues.
The singer had previously spoken out against the high tax burdens she shoulders as an artist.
“Ang aking income tax ay nasa 32%, plus may VAT pa na 12%—44% po ng pinaghirapan ko napupunta sa gobyerno pero wala akong nakukuhang benepisyo,” Regine posted on Instagram.
Despite the personal costs, Velasquez maintains that now is the time to be vocal and take action.
“Dapat mag-flex tayo ngayon dahil pinaghirapan natin ‘yan,” she said, referring to both her success and the need to stand up for what is right.
