Known for making people laugh, Melai Cantiveros-Francisco turned serious when asked about the ongoing issues surrounding the Senate, expressing disappointment over the political divisions that continue to affect the country.
Speaking during the launch of the fifth season of her hit Bisaya podcast ‘Kuan On One’, Melai admitted she is among the many Filipinos concerned about recent developments in government.
When asked which senator she would like to interview if given the opportunity, Melai initially answered in her trademark humorous fashion, naming Senator Migz Zubiri.
“Kasi wala namang ibang Bisaya doon,” she said.
She also jokingly remarked that she would ask the senator whether he was related to actress Diana Zubiri.
However, the conversation quickly shifted to a more serious tone as Melai shared the question she truly wanted to ask lawmakers.
“Anong gagawin natin para magkaisa tayo?” she said.
The actress and television host lamented what she sees as the growing division among Filipinos despite the many challenges facing the nation.
“Kasi sobrang talaga tayong nakakahiya. Bakit? Yung mga ibang bansa may mga war, war sa bansa na ganito, war sa bansa na ganyan pero sila magkakampi. Tayo? Wala na ba tayong ibang kalaban? Tayo na ang naglalaban sa isa’t isa?”
Melai also urged Filipinos to be wiser when choosing leaders during elections.
“Kaya ang Pinoy talaga dapat maging wais tayo. Tayo naman ang bumuboto so dapat iboto natin yung mga kandidatong bibigyan tayo ng hiya. Sila, hindi ko alam kung may mga hiya pa sila.”
Standing by her right to voice her opinion, Melai emphasized that she is not merely a spectator but a citizen who contributes to the country.
“Ako hindi ako pwedeng hindi magsalita kasi nagbabayad ako ng tax.”
She then made a direct appeal to lawmakers amid the ongoing political tensions.
“Ibalik ninyo ang dignidad sa Senado. Maawa kayo sa amin.”
Her remarks drew applause from members of the media and guests present at the press conference, with many praising her for speaking candidly about issues that affect ordinary Filipinos.
Meanwhile, Melai is set to return with the fifth season of ‘Kuan On One’, which premieres on June 9 via the ABS-CBN Entertainment YouTube channel and iWant.
The new season will feature several notable guests, including actress and celebrity mom Ellen Adarna, entrepreneur and fellow ‘Pinoy Big Brother: Double Up’ housemate Paul Jake Castillo, and singer Mark Bautista.