Actress-director Bela Padilla issued a strong cautionary message directed at social media influencers involved in a smear campaign against Maggie Wilson, who are now seeking Sangguniang Kabataan positions in the upcoming barangay elections.
On Thursday, October 5, Padilla took to Twitter to share a post containing information about Rolyn Jay’s candidacy for the Sangguniang Kabataan in Tanza, Cavite.
She shared, “Isn’t this guy one of the influencers who said sorry for peddling fake news? mga taga Tanza…pakatatandaan! (laughing emoji)”
https://twitter.com/padillabela/status/1709858856518426909
Rolyn Jay is among the influencers who publicly confessed to participating in a smear campaign against former beauty queen Maggie Wilson and her company, Asana Manila, admitting to doing so in exchange for financial compensation. He disclosed that the social media video they circulated was scripted, and he received ₱7,000, with ₱1,000 going to the person who recruited him.
Netizen @wiemuichiro also pointed out that aside from Rolyn, other influencers were running for SK positions: Rozelle Familara in Batangas City and Ronjoy del Pilas in Sta. Rosa City, Laguna.
Tatlo sila actually. pic.twitter.com/T0zieZTG2j
— Wei (@weimuichiro) October 5, 2023
Furthermore, in a subsequent tweet, Padilla expressed her disappointment in how seemingly random individuals are now vying for electoral positions. She advised netizens to remain vigilant and understand that kindness does not automatically equate to good governance.
“Sad to open this platform to see that the most random of random people are now running for office. Please be vigilant. Even if people are “nice,” and they give away money, that has never been what it takes to have good governance being nice is different from kindness-kindness to know you shouldn’t run for office.”
https://twitter.com/padillabela/status/1709859720423469173
While Padilla expressed sadness about some influencers exploiting social media for malicious purposes, she also praised those who use their social media influence for positive endeavors.
In an earlier tweet posted on October 1, Padilla commended social media personality Arshie Larga for utilizing the platform for benevolent purposes.
She remarked, “Love content creators that actually use their platform for good” in a retweet of Larga’s post about him winning the Tiktok Creator of the Year award at the recently concluded Tiktok Awards 2023.
Love content creators that actually use their platform for good ❤️ https://t.co/xNRapH8nJs
— Bela “mapanakit” Padilla (@padillabela) October 1, 2023
