Criticism of government isn’t crab mentality, says Nikki Valdez

President Rodrido Duterte hit back at his critics after #NasaanAngPangulo trended on social media. Duterte was nowhere to be found during Typhoon Rolly’s destruction of the Bicol Region and some parts of Southern Luzon last Sunday.

In a televised meeting with Cabinet members and disaster officials in Malacañang, Duterte asked critics what their problem was with him being in Davao City in the midst of the strongest typhoon causing havoc in various areas in the country.

“Iyong nagsabi na wala ako rito kasi wala, nasa probinsya, so, what’s your problem? Ang mga papeles pinadala, tapos pirmahan ko. Ipadala ko ulit. Eh, machine lang naman iyan,” he said.

He explained that people like him who grew up in the province celebrate All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, which he did as he visited his parents’ grave.

“Kaya nga ako nauwi. Itong mga ugok naman, sinabi na wala ako. I was waiting for the typhoon to pass, then lumipad ako,” he added.

The Office of Civil Defense Region 5 reported that at least 20 have died from the storm.

Duterte led the aerial survey of Albay and Catanduanes and went to the town of Guinobatan in Albay to see the extent of the storm’s damage.

Duterte’s supporters defended him as usual and even attacked Vice President Leni Robredo, who was active in helping the needy affected by the typhoon.

Nikki Valdez meanwhile reasoned that criticizing the government is not indicative of a crab mentality. She urged the public to be more rational in the way they approach issues affecting the country.

“Walang masama magcall out sa gobyerno lalo na kung para sa ikabubuti ng bansa natin. Criticism does not automatically equate to crab mentality.” she tweeted.

“Patapos na 2020, nagkaCOVID at 2 bagyo na ang dumaan [at baka may mga dumaan pa], palitan niyo na narrative at way of thinking niyo,” she added.

Walang masama magcall out sa gobyerno lalo na kung para sa ikabubuti ng bansa natin. Criticism does not automatically equate to crab mentality.

Patapos na 2020, nagkaCOVID at 2 bagyo na ang dumaan [at baka may mga dumaan pa], palitan niyo na narrative at way of thinking niyo.

— NVG (@nikkivaldez_) November 3, 2020

She previously slammed Duterte for his recent absences from the public eye, especially at a time like a crisis.

Walang araw na pinipili ang pagsilbi at pagtulong sa bansa sa tuwing may delubyo LALUNG- LALO NA kung ikaw ang Presidente.

— NVG (@nikkivaldez_) November 2, 2020

Valdez used to be a Duterte supporter until ABS-CBN’s bid for a franchise renewal was denied last July.

“Mula nang ako’y naging registered voter, sinigurado kong gamitin ang boto ko para magluklok ng mga pulitikong tingin ko ay makakabuti at gagawa ng mabuti para sa ating bansa. At noong 2016, oo binoto kita Pres. Duterte pati ang pamilya ko,” Nikki said beofre Duterte delivered his last SONA.

“Sa paniniwalang magkakaboses ang maliliit na tao na sinasabi mo noon na dadamayan mo. Nakita namin ang kasimplehan mo na kahit Presidente ka ay abot na abot ka ng mga tao. Nakita namin ang political will mo,” she added.

She admitted that she regrets voting for him, saying he hasn’t done anything four years into his term as the Philippines’ leader.

“Pero makalipas ang 4 na taon ng pagsubaybay sa mga ninais mo para sa bansa, ano po ang nangyari?” she asked.

She also pointed out how Duterte is more focused on revenge instead of being a leader and disapproved of how he treats women.

“Ultimo ang Santo Papa, minura mo, pinagsalitaan ng kung ano ano, nawala ang respeto mo sa mga kababaihan kahit may mga anak kang babae, inuna mo ang personal na galit at paghihiganti kaya ganon na lamang ang kawalang bahala mo sa mga totoong pangangailangan at problema ng ating bayan…” she said.

Valdez also asked why Duterte allowed Chinese nationals to get in the country knowing that a pandemic just broke out.

“Bakit di mo agad pinasara ang ating bansa sa China kahit alam mo nang sa kanila galing ang sakit na pumapatay sa libo libong tao ngayon? Bakit nasa China na ata ang katapatan mo? Bakit inuna mo ang Anti Terror Bill?” Nikki asked.

She continued, asking why he prioritized ABS-CBN’s shutdown.

“Bakit mas inuna mo ang pagpapasara sa ABSCBN at pagkitil sa kabuhayan ng libo libong empleyado pero nanatili dito ang mga POGO? Ito ba talaga ang mga plano mo para sa Pilipinas?” said Nikki.

“Ano nanaman kaya ang sasabihin mo bukas? ‘Joke lang?’” she added.

Kapamilya actress Angelica Panganiban and GMA-7 actor Jason Abalos also withdrew their support for the president after his questionable decisions.