GMA News anchor Mariz Umali has posted a message of positivity amid the wave of online criticism she has faced over a viral video allegedly misquoting her during her coverage at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands.
In a Facebook post on Monday, March 24, Umali wrote: “Radiating positivity in a world that needs more light. Good vibes only—no space for hate. Thanks guys! You are angels sent from above.”
The message comes days after a vlogger accused Umali of referring to former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea as “matanda” (old man) when he was seen being transported via stretcher to an ambulance on March 18, after feeling unwell while visiting former President Rodrigo Duterte in detention.
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Umali, who was covering the events surrounding Duterte’s arrest and transfer to ICC custody, denied the accusation and clarified her statement through a Facebook post on March 19.
“A certain vlogger has circulated a post containing my voice, claiming that I referred to Former Executive Secretary Medialdea as ‘matanda’ while he was on a stretcher. This interpretation is inaccurate,” she wrote.
“What I actually said was, ‘Tingnan mo yung mata niya (Medialdea), nakabukas siya nung una pero nung nakita niya ako, pinikit.'”
Umali explained that the remark was based on her observation of exclusive footage showing Medialdea being taken out of the penitentiary.
“My observation was purely about his eyes. It is obvious that I was misheard. I want to be clear that no disrespect was intended toward Former Executive Secretary Medialdea,” she said.
The anchor’s clarification was met with support from her colleagues, including her husband and fellow news anchor Raffy Tima, veteran broadcaster Arnold Clavio, and GMA News field reporter Joseph Morong, who defended her against the wave of online attacks.
Despite the backlash, Umali’s calm and composed response has been praised by many viewers and colleagues alike, as she continues to report on developments from the ICC proceedings.
