Reactions flew on social media as Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo ‘apologized’ to Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz for hurting her feelings but not being included in the ‘Matrix’.
In an interview with ANC, Wednesday, July 28, Panelo ‘felt bad’ for hurting the Olympiad’s feelings.
“I’m sorry, I’m sad to know na nasaktan si Hidilyn. I’m sorry for it. Kawawa naman,” said Panelo.
However, he tried to explain how the name of Diaz was included in the Matrix of the supposed ousters of Pres. Rodrigo Duterte.
“Pero I’m telling Hidilyn, if she is watching, hindi naman yun, palagay ko, intensyon ng mga gumawa ng matrix,” Panelo explained.
“There is whatsoever no intention, imagined or real, na nili-link mo si Hidilyn. Nagkataon lang na inilagay yung kanyang pagiging fan nitong si Jayme. Yun lang yun e,” he continued.
But then, during the interview, he tried to blame Diaz for being hurt, saying that her pain was ‘misplaced.’
“[I apologize] Because nasaktan siya. But sinasabi ko sa kanya misplaced yun pain mo kasi hindi naman talaga yun ang intensyon.”
This explanation of Panelo caused a ruckus over Twitter as celebrities, personalities, and Netizens could not believe his audacity.
Frankie Pangilinan was enraged by Panelo’s apology, even describing him as “gaslight gatekeep gold-medal-grabber”.
“sorry kung nasaktan man siya” gaslight gatekeep gold-medal-grabber https://t.co/39defygt9j
— kakie (@kakiep83) July 28, 2021
TV personality Kiko Rustia ridiculed Panelo by associating him with a fried lizard after failing to apologize for accusing Diaz.
Pritong butiki nakakatanggal daw ng hika? https://t.co/ogKpLWOcGC
— kiko rustia (@kikorustia) July 28, 2021
Musician Jim Paredes could not contain his anger as Panelo undermined Diaz’s name being included in the list. He stressed that associating the athlete with the alleged ousters of Duterte could damage her reputation while instilling fear.
https://twitter.com/Jimparedes/status/1420300838854041602
Comedienne Marietta Subong or Pokwang was astounded by Panelo not being able to apologize wholeheartedly. She even noted that the pride of the counselor was a deadly sin.
https://twitter.com/pokwang27/status/1420308823676362753
Former Bayan Muna representative Teddy Casiño also could not believe the statement of Panelo. He reiterated that the counselor was wrong as he accused Diaz and many others that they plan to discredit Duterte even without basis.
Casiño also highlighted Panelo’s admittance that Diaz’s name was included in the list by mistake. Yet, he could not apologize without blaming the Olympiad for getting hurt.
Oh come on, Sal. You know it was WRONG to have included Hidilyn, Gretchen and several others on that Duterte discredit/ouster plot matrix. You yourself said she should'nt have been there. Ayaw mo mag sorry because it casts doubt on other matrices and lists you people churn out. https://t.co/6xsDu0i8VM
— Teddy Casiño (@teddycasino) July 28, 2021
2019 Bar Topnotcher, Atty. Mae Diane Azores mocked Panelo by saying that his answers in the interview were the proper way to dodge questions.
https://twitter.com/MaeDianeAzores/status/1420317945310302213
A Twitter personality was also curious how Panelo could not simply apologize for his mistake without washing his hands.
Question: Mahirap po bang mag-apologize?
Sal Panelo: “Madaling mag-apologize kung mali yung ginawa mo. Pero kung wala ka namang ginawa like for example I just presented the matrix na wala naman akong kinalaman UPON THE INSTRUCTIONS OF THE PRESIDENT.” https://t.co/SjF6BQXcAk
— Ryan (@rryyyaaaannnn) July 28, 2021
Writer Dino Manrique was mad about Panelo, claiming that Diaz’s pain was “misplaced”. He then pointed that this “mistake” should be a lesson to the Government not to present allegations without proper evidence.
https://twitter.com/filipinowriter/status/1420280381836648448
Twitter personality Kathrina Brea stressed that Panelo should own up to his mistake and not be arrogant about it.
https://twitter.com/itsemiliotayao_/status/1420267945104580613
Meanwhile, some Netizens applauded journalist Karmina Constantino for grilling Panelo.
Congrats @ConstantKC that's how to grill a seasoned lizard. https://t.co/RIAUfJfn1A
— arthos (@arthos3) July 28, 2021
@ConstantKC puts Panelo in a tight spot. This is how to interview people like him. https://t.co/9hfLkukzkR
— elizabeth angsioco (@bethangsioco) July 28, 2021
In 2019, back when Panelo was still the Presidential Spokesperson, they presented a list of celebrities, personalities, and groups planning to discredit Duterte. Included in the list were Diaz, Gretchen Ho, Rappler, and many more.
Diaz was included in the Matrix shortly after seeking financial support from the Government for her Olympics training.
On Monday, July 26, Diaz won the first-ever gold medal for the Philippines in the Tokyo Olympic Weightlifting.
