Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri issued a formal apology on Monday to the family of the late television personality Inday Badiday, following backlash for invoking her name during a heated Senate plenary debate.
In a statement, Zubiri conceded that bringing up the iconic TV host’s name during his manifestation was a “slip of the tongue” brought about by the intense exchange over a controversial video presentation shown by Senator Imee Marcos.
“Sa buong pamilya of the late Inday Badiday, I am sincerely sorry for mentioning her name during my manifestation sa Senado,” (To the entire family of the late Inday Badiday, I am sincerely sorry for mentioning her name during my manifestation in the Senate), Zubiri said.
“Slip of the tongue po iyon in the middle of a heated debate, and I take full responsibility because I should have been more careful with my words,” (That was a slip of the tongue in the middle of a heated debate…) he added.
The Catalyst: A “Circus” on the Senate Floor
The controversy stemmed from a tense Senate session where minority bloc members slammed Senator Imee Marcos for allegedly propagating “fake news.” The video in question claimed there was a covert plot by now-Senate Minority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III to amend the 1987 Constitution and extend the term of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
A visibly irate Zubiri moved to strike the nine-minute video from the Senate record, labeling it an “obviously opinionated” propaganda tool designed to sow intrigue rather than present legislative evidence.
It was during this manifestation that Zubiri remarked:
“Inday Badiday na ba tayo dito sa Senado? Kaya sinasabi we’re a circus. I apologize to those who are watching. They think we’re a circus because this type of language we are pushing in this chamber is unparliamentary,” (Are we Inday Badiday now here in the Senate? That’s why they say we’re a circus…)
Family Reacts: “Leave Her Out of Politics”
The analogy drew sharp criticism from Badiday’s grandson, actor and television host IC Mendoza, who defended the legacy of the late entertainment journalism pioneer.
“Please do not disrespect the legacy of my late mommy Luds. She was more than showbiz chika and intrigues,” Mendoza said in a statement. “Reducing her name and legacy to describe the ‘circus’ happening in the Senate is offensive. Ang tagal nang patay ng lola ko. Please leave her out of your political commentaries and analogies.” (My grandmother has been dead for a long time…)
Honoring a Pop Culture Legacy
In his apology, Zubiri agreed with Mendoza’s sentiments and clarified that his frustration was strictly directed at the video presentation and not at Badiday’s memory. He emphasized his long-standing respect for the TV host, noting that he, like many Filipinos of his generation, grew up watching her on television.
“I want to say this from the heart: I respect Inday Badiday, and like many from my generation, lumaki rin po ako na nakikita siya sa TV, bahagi siya ng pop culture natin and she was loved by so many Filipinos,” (…I also grew up seeing her on TV, she is part of our pop culture…) Zubiri expressed.
“Tama si IC Mendoza, dapat hindi na nadamay ang lola niya sa usaping pulitika. Kaya muli, I apologize deeply to the family and I will be more mindful moving forward.” (IC Mendoza is right, his grandmother should not have been dragged into political matters. So again, I apologize deeply…)