Senator Jinggoy Estrada faced backlash online after making a remark directed at Gilas Pilipinas Women’s prospect Elizabeth Jeanette Means during a Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights hearing earlier this week.
While deliberations on Means’ naturalization were underway, Estrada asked her a personal question:
“Do you have a Filipino boyfriend?” Estrada asked.
Means replied, “Not yet po.”
Estrada then quipped:
“Maybe Senator Pangilinan might want to apply… Sorry, kay Sharon,” referring to Senator Kiko Pangilinan, who is married to actress-singer Sharon Cuneta.
Pangilinan responded jokingly that Cuneta might get upset with him.
The exchange quickly spread online, with netizens criticizing the remark as inappropriate and unprofessional in a formal legislative proceeding.
In a statement afterward, Estrada defended his comment, saying it was intended as lighthearted banter.
“It was a simple friendly banter between Senator Francis Pangilinan and myself. It may not be widely known, but Senator Pangilinan’s wife, Ms. Sharon Cuneta, is a dear friend of mine, and our friendship goes back many years — long before I entered politics,” Estrada said.
“There was absolutely nothing malicious in the question. It was asked in a light and conversational manner during the proceedings, especially since both Ms. Means and Ms. Diouf themselves expressed that they already feel at home in the Philippines.”
The moment has since fueled debate on social media about decorum and professionalism during congressional hearings.