Senator Jinggoy Estrada drew criticism from netizens following remarks he made to Gilas Pilipinas Women prospect Elizabeth Jeanette Means during a Senate hearing.
The exchange occurred at a Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights hearing on March 6, where Means appeared as part of proceedings related to her application for naturalization as a Filipino citizen.
During the hearing, Estrada asked Means several questions about her background, including why she wanted to become a naturalized Filipino and where she currently resides.
He also asked the athlete about her favorite Filipino dishes before shifting to a personal question: “Do you have a Filipino boyfriend?”
Means responded with a laugh, saying: “Not yet!”
Estrada then jokingly suggested another senator as a possible suitor.
“Maybe Senator Pangilinan might want to apply,” he said, adding, “Sorry kay Sharon,” referring to Sharon Cuneta, the wife of Francis Pangilinan.
Pangilinan responded humorously, saying: “Magagalit yung kumare.”
A clip of the exchange quickly circulated on social media, drawing criticism from some netizens who described the remarks as inappropriate and out of place in a formal Senate hearing.
Others argued that the question and subsequent joke appeared unprofessional, comparing the tone to casual conversation rather than official proceedings.
In response to the backlash, Estrada issued a statement clarifying that the exchange was meant as a lighthearted moment between him and Pangilinan.
“It was simply a friendly banter between Senator Francis Pangilinan and myself.”
The senator also explained that the question directed at Means was related to understanding her motivation for seeking naturalization.
“Part of the Committee’s responsibility is to understand whether applicants intend to truly make the Philippines their home — whether by settling here permanently or even establishing a family in the future.”
Estrada added that the question was asked casually because other applicants seeking naturalization had also spoken about their personal ties to the country.
“There was absolutely nothing malicious in the question.”
As of now, Means has not issued a public reaction to the incident, while the exchange continues to circulate online and spark discussion about decorum in legislative hearings.
