Actresses Pokwang and Meryll Soriano have come to the defense of Joshua Garcia, saying the actor has the right to express his views amid the controversy surrounding his alleged repost of a TikTok video related to the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Garcia has been the subject of online debate after social media users noticed that his TikTok account had apparently reposted a curated video that some netizens interpreted as being supportive of the Vice President. Although the repost has since been removed, the actor has yet to issue a public statement addressing the issue.
During Tuesday’s episode of ‘Fast Talk with Boy Abunda’, host Boy Abunda asked Pokwang and Soriano for their thoughts on the controversy after explaining the circumstances surrounding Garcia’s deleted repost.
Meryll stressed that everyone has the freedom to express their opinions on their own platforms.
“That’s his platform and kung doon siya naniniwala, kaya nga tayo merong freedom of speech. We are free to express our own opinions and voices sa sarili nating platform.”
She added that while public figures are free to voice their views, audiences are equally free to react.
“It just so happens na meron ding opinyon ang mamamayan, ang audiences natin.”
Pokwang echoed Soriano’s sentiments, saying Garcia’s status as a celebrity is one reason why the issue has drawn so much attention.
“Nagkataon lang kasi na artista si Joshua, pero kapag ordinaryong tao ba ‘yan, papansinin mo ba? Nagkataon lang na artista siya. Karapatan niya ‘yon, hayaan natin siya.”
The comedienne also shared that having different political beliefs has never affected her friendships.
“Marami akong kaibigan na magkaiba kami ng mga sinusuportahan. Nung isang araw kasama ko, nag-dinner kami. Wala kaming sumbatan.”
Pokwang herself has previously been the target of online criticism over her political views, making her familiar with the scrutiny that public figures often face when expressing opinions on national issues.
As of writing, Joshua Garcia has yet to comment on the controversy surrounding his alleged repost or the reactions it has generated online. His management has likewise remained silent on the matter.
