• Jessica Soho celebrates her 34^th career high in TV by inking a new deal with GMA-7
• GMA Network Chairman & CEO Atty. Felipe Gozon is all praises to the seasoned broadcaster
• Soho admits there is always pressure to deliver a sensible topic where the young ones could learn a lesson

Jessica Soho, renowned broadcast journalist and considered to be GMA News and Public Affairs’s pillar, has celebrated her 34^th year being a Kapuso member by inking a new contract with the said radio and television giant this Wednesday.

Her contract signing was joined by the ‘goliaths’ of the network: GMA Network Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe Gozon, President and COO Gilberto Duavit, Executive Vice President and CFO Felipe Yalong, and GMA News and Public Affairs SVP Marissa Flores.

“Tayo ay talagang nagagalak sapagkat ang programa ni Jessica ang number one program sa lahat ng program ng GMA at ng lahat ng mga kalaban nito. Kaya’t ganu’n kahalaga si Jessica sa GMA. Kaya talagang galak na galak kami na ipagpapatuloy natin ang kaniyang more than 34 years sa GMA,” Atty. Gozon remarked, a rewarding praise in the industry coming from the man who propelled the success of the Kapuso Network.

“Mapalad tayo na magpapatuloy siya na magiging kasamahan natin at… kaya nasisihayan tayong lahat na magpapatuloy pa sa hinaharap na panahon ang ating pagsasama sa kasamahan nating si Jessica, we are all very happy and very proud,” Duavit added.

The broadcaster was equally thankful of the trust given to her by the network, and to the public who continues to support her TV magazine show ‘Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho’ which debuted on November 7, 2004.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu0uGfxBCwi/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

“Thirty-four years na po akong Kapuso. Maraming salamat sa aking mga kasama sa trabaho at siyempre, sa mga namumuno po ng GMA Network. At of course, sa inyo pong aming mga manonood. Maraming salamat po sa inyong pagtitiwala, marami pa ho tayong mga pagkukuwentuhan at marami pa ho tayong mga pag-uusapan. Salamat pong muli,” she said.

She also mentioned that with the honour she’s been given, comes the pressure of being the host of the program. She reads up to stay updated as they represent the “pop-culture” of post-modern times, and to always rightly deliver their tagline: “makabuluhang kuwentuhan”.

• A teen beauty contestant in Wowowin introduced her mom as “pogi”
• It was revealed that the contestant’s mom was a lesbian
• Mama Che wrongfully thought her own mother was dying so she granted her wish to have a grandchild by getting pregnant

In the ‘Pera o Kahon’ segment of Willie Revillame’s ‘Wowowin’ on Tuesday, a teen beauty contestant introduced her mother as “pogi” to the curiosity of the host and the audience.

Asked why she did so, the contestant named Angel, said her mother was a lesbian. As the segment allows the contestants to share their life stories, the senior high school student proceeded to relay her story.

Angel aims to be an accountant or a business woman in the future to alleviate her family from poverty. She’s the only biological daughter of her lesbian mother, Mama Che.

Her mother adopted another child into their family. Angel never met nor knew her father growing up.

Revillame interrogated Mama Che on her decision to get pregnant, even though she’s a lesbian. The woman answered that the incident only happened because she initially thought her own mother was dying and doggedly wish for her to have a grandchild.

Wanting to fulfil her mother’s ‘dying request,’ Mama Che said, “Sige, bibigyan kita ng apo ‘tas liliko na’ko,” alluding to her decision of switching her gender and sexual orientation after she bears a child.

When asked by the host to leave her child with a message, the lesbian mother told Angel, “’Nak, alam mo naman, kahit ganito ko binuhay kita, pinalaki ka namin ng Mommy mo, alam mo naman ‘yun mula’t sapol kahit baby ka pa, kami na ng Mommy mo ‘yung nag-aalaga sa’yo, sumusuporta, gumagabay sa’yo. Nagpapasalamat ako sa’yo dumating ka sa buhay namin ng Mommy mo.”

Angel who was visibly teary-eyed in the video was very thankful of her mother and grandmother too. The grandmother appeared in the video clip as well, looking very healthy and hale.

“Ni-request ko po ‘yan (sa anak ko) para ho magkaroon kami ng kasama dahil dadalawa lang kami. Nagpapasalamat ako at hindi ako nagkakamali dahil napakaganda ng apo ko,” the proud grandma declared.

• Cathy Garcia Molina announced the first-ever movie of Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards
• There were speculations that the movie will not push through because Alden Richard is exclusively for GMA Network
• Having this new team-up, both their fans positively accepted the upcoming “KathDen” movie

Recently, Star Cinema, under the direction of Cathy Garcia Molina, announced the first-ever movie of Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards, who will play the role of an OFW working in Hong Kong.

During the story conference of the KathDen movie last Tuesday, Alden was given a warm welcome by director Cathy Grace Molina, Roxy Liiquigan, Mico del Rosario, and director Olive ‘Inang’ Lamasan.

https://twitter.com/TOA_ScarForRFJ/status/1105377599050506240

According to Roxy Liquigan, it took “5 months preparation” to arrange the team-up and there were speculations that the movie will not push through because Alden Richard is exclusively for GMA Network, and there was a possibility that the GMA Artist Center would not allowed him to do the project.

But with the help of Philip Rojas of Asian Artist Agency, headed by Boy Abunda, the project was made possible.

When both artists were asked about their reactions knowing that they would be working together, Kathryn said, “Kung tatanungin niyo ako kung kinakabahan ako, super!” and Alden’s reaction was, “Siyempre, first-time kong makakatrabaho si Kath. We’ve been seeing each other for a long time.”

Kathryn and Alden are known for having strong and loyal fans in their respective love teams, Kathryn with Daniel Padilla for “KathNiel, and Alden with Maine Mendoza for “Aldub.”

But having this new team-up, both their fans positively accepted the upcoming “KathDen” movie.

To show their love and support for both artist they posted their reaction on Twitter.

As a supporter of Alden, I will support all of your project. Way to go Alden #KathrynAldenMovie2019 ❤️ https://t.co/8IFTCWpKbv

— ADMIN SHIN ™ (@ADMIN__SHIN) March 12, 2019

Matured KN fans, ADN, Alden fans, Kathryn fans thank you. We're gonna support this movie ✊#KathrynAldenMovie2019#KCA #VoteKathrynBernardo @bernardokath

— KATHNIEL FANBOYS ✊ (@MgaLalakingKNs) March 12, 2019

https://twitter.com/alwaysfaulkrsn/status/1105373547633864704

https://twitter.com/royalbluedivine/status/1105381955338551296

Some KathNiel fans show maturity by showing support for the upcoming movie.

https://twitter.com/marcinareus/status/1105450263488286720

And now because of Maine’s announcement on her blog that he is dating Arjo Atayde, some of the AlDub fans felt sad and hope this new team up would be a successful one.

• Ed Caluag is a sickly boy who suffered from polio and later diagnosed with a rheumatic heart disease
• He was only 7 years old when he realized that he was the only one who sees things
• He can also use it to have revenge on people who had bullied him, but it wasn’t his nature to take revenge

If there’s something strange, who you gonna call?

It’s Ed Caluag, a paranormal investigator who became trending because of his television appearance on Kapuso Mo Jessica Sojo (KMJS) on GMA Network. But recently, after his last episode seen on KMJS about a ghost ship in Siquijor, and when it had been proven that it wasn’t a ghost ship, most of the netizens continuet to bash him on social media.

Now, let us discover what things we should know about Ed Caluag.

1. A sick boy living with a poor family

Ed Caluag is a sickly boy who suffered from polio and later diagnosed with rheumatic heart disease. Because of poverty, he never received any medical treatment, which made his condition worse. His father only worked as a carpenter and with the kind of disease he has, they cannot afford to give him proper medical treatment.

Instead, he is simply given a bottle of orange juice then wipe him with a wet towel when is sick.

2. He is a fighter

Because of his illness, he was kept home for two years. Unlike other kids playing and running outside their houses, his life was the total opposite. Ed’s was always sitting on a rocking chair by the window while watching the other kids play.

But then, he decided to change his way of life. He wanted to go outside, wanted to walk, wanted to play like any normal kid. Even though it was hard, he tried his best to walk, slipping out when his mother was not around.

“Gusto ko talagang lumabas, gusto kong maglakad, gusto kong maging normal, gusto kong makipaglaro,” he said. “So unti-unti, pag wala ‘yung nanay ko, bumababa ako du’n sa aking rocking chair. Humahawak ako sa mga gilid, pinipilit kong maglakad. As in talagang struggle, as in talagang masakit, mahirap.”

3. It’s only I who can see

When he was 7 years, old he noticed that there were children around the house who he thought were their neighbors and they became his friends. But one day, when his mother called him to eat, he talked to his mother that he would like to invite one of the kids with whom he was playing.

“Sabi ko, ‘Eh ‘yung bata dito na natin pakainin.’ Sabi niya, ‘Sinong bata?’ Wala naman daw bata,” he recalls.

That was the moment he realized that he was the only one who sees things.

4. I am strange, I was bullied

Because of his extraordinary sense in seeing his ‘playmates’ that he was the only one who can see, children in school would start to bully Ed by saying that he is an “ET,” the iconic Spielberg movie character, and accused him of making up scary stories.

“Natakot ako kasi nagtataka ako bakit ako lang ‘yung nakakakita, sila hindi, samantalang magkakasama kami, tinuturo ko sa kanila, hindi nila nakikita,” he says.

5. I have extraordinary power

“Nagsimula na akong maghanap, ano ba ang meron sa akin? Ano ba ‘to? Ability ba ‘to? Curse ba ‘to?”

After looking for someone who could understand him, finally, he met one. It taught him to learn Latin prayers and be able to cast spells. He can also use it to take revenge on those people who had bullied him, but it wasn’t his nature to take revenge.

Instead, he decided to use his power to help other people.

6. I can see the future

Ed has the vision to see what would happen in the future, amd one of his visions broke him down. It was his father’s death that he saw in a vision which he didn’t expect to happen.

“May series of dreams akong nakikita,” he says. “Napapanaginipan ko ‘yung isang event na parang maraming tao tapos maraming ilaw tapos may kabaong tapos may mga tao akong nakikita hindi ko pa kilala. Tapos nakita ko ‘yung tatay ko nadala ng ospital. Nakita ko ‘yung tatay ko inuwi sa bahay. Nakita ko ‘yung tatay ko, hawak-hawak ko, namatay sa kamay ko.”

Ed wasn’t able to do anything when his father died; he was there and saw it again. His father was happily eating a mango, and then suddenly chokes. Blood came out of his mouth when he died.

“Sana man lang kako hindi ko na siya pinakain ng mangga,” he says. “Naisip ko bakit pinabayaan ko pa siyang kumain?”

Because of the guilt and regrets, he felt his perception of his ability has also changed.

“Parang ang bigat-bigat sa akin na pakiramdam ko ako ‘yung reason bakit namatay ‘yung tatay ko,” he says. “Du’n na ako nag-start, nag-seek na ako, nagsimula na akong maghanap, ano ba ang meron sa akin? Ano ba ‘to? Ability ba ‘to? Curse ba ‘to?”

Because of his relatives saying he would never amount to anything, he found a reason to pick up his life after his father’s death and have the courage to prove them wrong.

7. I can heal

In Malolos, Bulacan where he grew up, people would come to see him asking for help to heal their sickness. Ed was also known as “Boyet.”

A testimony from “Maricel Manuel” who lived in the same barangay said that Ed was able to save her child.

“Isa siyang magaling na manggagamot, kasi halos lahat ng mga tita ko, sa kanya ko dinadala.”

8. I am educated, I graduated as an educator

Most of her relatives were in doubt of his ability, due to his sickness and physical appearance. So he took it as a challenge for himself to prove them wrong.

Ed studied so hard and finally graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education degree and became an elementary school teacher. He was so happy because he proved them wrong again.

9. Ed Caluag love story

Another challenge was thrown at him when his family and friends were in doubt of him having a chance of getting married. But they were all wrong again because he got married and sired some children but sadly got separated with his wife. Then love sparked again when he met the new love of his life, Marilyn Laluan.

“Nagrequest siya sa messenger, then the rest is history. Hanggang ngayon, nagsama na kami,” she said.

“Sana nga si Ed Caluag na ang forever ko,” she added.

10. Thank You bashers, know me first

Because of his appearances on a ‘KMJS’ segment, he was able to make his mark. But then, it also changed his life after a ‘KMJS’ episode on a suspected ghost ship in Siquijor was proven to be false. He went viral and some would people made fun of him.

But then, he didn’t put the blame nor hatred towards ‘KMJS’ and let the bashing go, just like what had been done to him, when he experienced bullying as a child.

“Gusto kong pasalamatan ‘yung mga bashers eh kasi sila din ‘yung naging reason bakit si Ed Caluag ay kilala up to Visayas, Luzon, kahit saan ako makarating,” he says. “Naglalakad ako du’n sa palengke wala namang pumapansin sa akin eh. Ngayon, kahit sasakay ako ng taxi biglang ‘yung taxi bubuksan yung pinto, ‘Sir, pa-picture naman.’”

Although the episode turned out the other way around, he will always stand by his findings in the investigation.

“Parang ‘pag nag-consult ka sa doctor, doctor terms ang ibibigay sa ‘yo. Pag nag-consult ka sa lawyer, lawyer terms ang ibibigay sa ‘yo. Pero since I’m a paranormal investigator so ‘yung terms ko is all about paranormal,” he says.

Ed doesn’t want to change his stand just to please everyone. But he asks for understanding, before judging, about what he does.

“Try ninyo munang alamin ano ba ang nasa likod namin bago kayo magsalita, bago kayo magsabi na mali kami, na palpak kami, hindi kami tama,” he says. “Kilalanin ninyo muna kami.”

Now, he already has spoken and opened up his life. And we also have the choice on what we choose to believe in.

• GMA Network Inc. has invested $20 million to push its state-of-the-art upgrades in the second phase of its digitization project.
• The Network chairman and CEO Gozon envisioned to bring world-class programming to Filipino viewers.
• GMA aimed to revolutionize TV viewing experience in the country.

Media giant GMA Network, Inc. is said to earmark $20 million in order to complete the second phase of the company’s efforts to digitize its operations.

The converted money is over a billion-peso which is believed to boost production, post-production, content management and distribution capabilities of the broadcasting network.

GMA Network plans to upgrade its facilities in order to deliver full 4K HD while utilizing and enhancing digital terrestrial transmitters to enable its services to be viewed on digital-enabled TV sets and set-top boxes in areas such as Mega Manila, North Central Luzon, Cebu and Davao.

READ: GMA Network partners up with Smart-PLDT; marks its full implementation of digitization

Post-production is equally improved with increased storage and color grading capabilities whereas New Automation System (NAS) is being implemented to advance its speed in news and information delivery through their eight shows: Unang Hirit, 24 Oras, 24 Oras Weekend, Saksi, News To Go, Balitanghali, Quick Response Team, and State of the Nation with Jessica Soho.

GMA Network chairman and chief executive officer Felipe L. Gozon said that, “All these state-of-the-art upgrades are part of GMA Network’s ongoing digitization project to bring world class programming to our viewers here and abroad.

“We are excited to unveil more innovative offerings that will not only maintain our position as the country’s leading broadcast network but will also revolutionize the TV viewing experience in the Philippines,” he added.

• Jason Abalos, Edgar Allan Guzman, and Paul Salas share thoughts on GMA Network’s ‘bizarre’ new dramas where they star in
• The three newly-signed Kapuso stars are thankful to receive challenging and interesting roles
• Jason Abalos, Edgar Allan Guzman, and Paul Salas expressed excitement over GMA’s ‘peculiar’ series

At a blog conference last February 26, newly-signed Kapuso actors Jason Abalos, Edgar Allan Guzman, and Paul Salas shared their thoughts regarding the new dramas with peculiar concepts that the GMA Network has been brewing.

‘Asawa Ko, Karibal Ko,’ ‘Dragon Lady,’ and ‘Kara Mia’ are the new television series which have been gathering online buzz due to their unique and odd concepts, and to which three of the said actors are starring in, respectively.

Jason Abalos stars as Nathan, who became the transgender woman Venus in ‘Asawa Ko, Karibal Ko.’ Edgar Allan Guzman is part of the ‘Dragon Lady’ cast that is about a woman with features of a dragon, while Paul Salas has a role in ‘Kara Mia’ which centers on two sisters with two heads but share the same body.

“As an actor, kaya nga tayo pumupunta kung saan may trabaho at kung saan masho-showcase natin ang craft natin. Para sa akin, masaya ako kasi mas na-challenge ako bilang aktor eh. Nagagawa ko ‘yung hindi ko pa nagagawa sa buong showbiz career ko. Masaya ako dahil sakto ‘yung timing ng paglipat ko. Paglipat ko, challenging roles agad ‘yung ibinibigay sa akin or hindi typical na teleserye o soap opera na ganito ‘yung story. Kumbaga may parang konting spice doon sa soap para sa isang aktor din. Kumbaga mas nakakagana ring magtrabaho,” elaborated Guzman.

Paul Salas expressed excitement in being part of Kara Mia. “Yung GMA naman po talaga is talagang the best po talaga sila sa paggawa ng fantaserye. Kumbaga professional na sila diyan so karangalan po sa akin na mapasali sa ganung mga plan nila katulad ng Kara Mia,” he said.

Jason Abalos, on the other hand, admitted that he was challenged to act for the role that was assigned to him. “Parang lumalawak yung range namin bilang artista para makagawa ng iba’t ibang klaseng roles para sa ibat ibang proyekto. Para sa akin, ito ‘yung puwedeng magpatagal kumbaga makikita namin kung hanggang saan ‘yung kakayahan namin.”

Watch the whole interview here:

• Paolo Contis is currently starring in the morning drama “Hiram na Anak”
• Paolo Contis admits he wants to marry LJ Reyes as soon as he is out of legal trouble over a past marriage
• Paolo Contis wants to correct past mistakes and live harmoniously with everyone

Paolo Contis, a known child actor who has been in the industry for over two decades, just gave the monumental performance of his career in the film “Through Night and Day.”

It is also one of the best lead performances by an actor last year which featured the story about ill-fated lovers.

Contis is recognized for doing comedy roles by having debuted in Ang TV, a youth-oriented variety show in the Philippines. He is also a regular in the Bubble Gang show, but the actor’s varied personality showed he can also competently dabble in “serious” roles.”

He is now in soap operas once again, appearing in “Hiram na Anak.” This is currently shown in the mornings before “Eat Bulaga.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BuVxVLcgCMn/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

“Balik kontrabida ako rito,” related Contis. “I play Benjo, a seaman na mahilig sa chicks. Nabuntis ko si Empress Schuck pero ayokong panagutan. Gusto ko, makisama na lang siya sa’kin, pero may kinakasama na rin ako sa bahay, si Lauren Young, so pagsasabayin ko sila. Tiyak na maiinis na naman ang viewers sa’kin dito, lalo na nga’t may gagawin ako sa mag-asawang Yasmien Kurdi at Dion Ignacio na magiging dahilan para mabago ang buhay nila.” 

The central theme of family drama of Contis’ new soap touches the surface of the actor’s behind-the-scenes life. It is known that he is in a relationship with LJ Reyes and already has a daughter with her. “Hands on kami sa pag-aalaga sa kanya,” he expressed.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BtGCFkmBJ7g/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Asked by People’s Journal Mario Bautista if the celebrity sees himself and LJ walking down the aisle, Contis answered, “Yes. As soon as maayos lahat ng legalities, I’d love to marry her. But I’m still legally married to someone else.”

This is in reference to former dancer Lian Paz, who now lives in Cebu with their two daughters and her own new partner.

“But I cannot talk about our annulment case. Basta nasa korte pa siya, pero inaayos naman namin. Aware naman si LJ sa status ko and she’s very patient about it. Alam naman niyang she’s the one I want to spend the rest of my life with,” added Contis.

As for his two daughters with Paz, Contis has this to say, “I love them but magkalayo kami so I hope one day, maipaliwanag ko sa kanila ang lahat at, sana, ma-meet din nila balang araw ang sister nilang si Baby Summer. Alam mo, habang tumatanda ka, you just want to have a peaceful, quiet life. Kung anuman ang mistakes na nagawa mo before, you just want to correct them and live harmoniously with everyone in your life.”

• Last month, Julie Anne San Jose confirmed breakup with Benjamin Alves
• Last December, Julie Anne San Jose, Benjamin Alves unfollow each other on Instagram
• Julie Anne and Benjamin have parted ways after two years together

It turns out that Benjamin Alves is also part of the cast of GMA Network’s new epic drama ‘Sahaya,’ which was expected to be promoted at ‘Sunday Pinasaya’ and ‘Studio 7,’ in which former lover Julie Anne San Jose is a mainstay.

Many are inquiring if the exes will meet face-to-face at the said gigs, or if they will greet each other and hold conversations for the duration of the promotion.

It was in November 2018 that reports were published about the couple parting ways, almost the same time when news of the death of the actor’s father broke out.

Before the year ended, the two unfollowed each other on Instagram. And Julie Anne even admitted in an interview with PEP.ph that she and Benjamin could not stay as friends after the break-up.

View this post on Instagram

Getaway #dakakresort #thesouthawaits

A post shared by ᒍᑌᒪIE ᗩᑎᑎE ᔕᗩᑎ ᒍOᔕE (@myjaps) on Feb 14, 2019 at 9:11pm PST

“I’m really, really focused pagdating sa mga bagay-bagay when it comes to my work, my craft, bettering myself my music. ‘Yun ‘yung important for me this year,” said Julie Anne.

‘Sahaya’ brights to light the inspiring story of a young Badjao woman who triumphed despite all life’s challenges. Throughout her journey, Sahaya remains true to her culture and beliefs as a Badjao, even defying the power of love. The series stars Bianca Umali and Miguel Tanfelix with Migo Adecer completing the love triangle.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bt7Mcp4HWTe/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Meanwhile, the drama starring Benjamin will start airing this March, under the direction of Zig Dulay.

• There is a growing number of non-cable homes that have shifted to the digital TV platform
• GMA Network and PLDT-Smart signed a partnership contract that will welcome the full implementation of the network’s digitization project
• To maintain its position as a leading broadcasting station, GMA network has to do an upgrade to cater to the preference of TV audiences

In 2018, ABS-CBN made an historic switch from the analog format to digital terrestrial television to relay a new experience in TV viewing. Since there is a growing number of non-cable homes that have shifted to digital TV, they introduced ABS-CBN TV plus.

It has already attracted over 1.2 Million TV plus subscribers who register to watch Filipino movies as it has become very accessible, with the registration now open to all cellular networks.

It has been noted that ABS-CBN TV plus already hit 7-million in sales because of the bulk of non-cabled homes that have already switched to digital TV. According to Kantar Media, last August 2018, based on their survey, 72% of non-cabled homes in Metro Manila have an ABS-CBN TV plus box, versus 55% of last year.

The same is true with the number of non-cabled homes with a TVplus box in Mega Manila, which increased to 65% from 44%; while those in the suburbs grew to 57% from 33% in the same period last year.

Last November 2018, ABS-CBN TVplus expanded their signal coverage in Batangas as its 16th signal coverage area, with the aim of accelerating their mission before the government mandated a deadline for all broadcasting companies to switch to digital broadcasting in 2023.

And they continuously expanded signal coverage areas in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Metro Cebu, Cagayan De Oro, Iloilo, Bacolod, and Davao.

GMA Network is already doing an upgrade

Last January 09, GMA Network and PLDT-Smart signed a partnership contract that will integrate the full implementation of the network’s digitization project.

During its partnership kick-off, GMA Network’s and PLDT-Smart’s top executives were present.

To maintain their position as a leading broadcasting station, GMA Network had to do an upgrade to cater to the viewing preferences of TV audiences better.

“For GMA, we have to recognize that for us to maintain our position as the leading, I will repeat, leading broadcast station in the country, we must evolve in accordance with the shifting habits and preferences of our audience.”

Chairman and CEO Manny V. Pangilinan expressed his gratitude to Atty. Gozon for trusting PLDT-Smart with the project.
“We thank you, Chairman Gozon, for the trust and we are quite eager to start working on this project and of course in making it successful both for GMA and PLDT.”

• Mike Enriquez earned the ire of netizens after commenting over students who join rallies

‘Using DZBB as his platform, anchor Mike Enriquez said over the radio waves, “Kayong mga Iskolar ng Bayan, rally kayo nang rally. Kami ang nagtutustos sa ipinagpapaaral sa inyo!”

The statement drew flak from The Professional Heckler’s twitter post, a known humor blog account, oftentimes aligning on satire when it comes to social and political issues.

In his post dated February 19, 2019, he reminisced over the rallies he has attended during his college days which proved fruitful for the causes he believed in — at one time even stopping a dorm fee increase.

“Kayong mga Iskolar ng Bayan, rally kayo nang rally. Kami ang nagtutustos sa ipinagpapaaral sa inyo!”
~Mike Enriquez (DZBB) pic.twitter.com/grBya7BCGc

— The Professional Heckler (@hecklerforever8) February 20, 2019

He mocked Enriquez’s butting in over the issue when the famous news anchor was not even a State University graduate.

Professional Heckler said that he was able to graduate on time and he did not have any problems with his grades. “And excuse me, Mike Enriquez, hindi nasayang ang subsidy ng gobyerno sa pag-aaral ko!,” he added.

Some other netizens aren’t happy about the statement

Scholarship is not a bribe for my silence.

— Jared H. Down (@iamjohnedwardc) February 20, 2019

Excuuuuuse meee poooo! Panay din ang rally+acads+lakwatsa+toma+rally pa more ko nuon pero gumradweyt ako on time at ngayon ay naninilbihan sa pagpapailaw sa mga bundok at looban, pinagkakasya ang tira ng mga politiko sa mga buwis na binbayaran ko din! #tagaUP

— Maestrell (@Maestrell1) February 20, 2019

Let's trace how much of taxpayer's money actually go to UP and how much go to politician's pockets. Anyway, mali ang "puro rally"; should be rally + acads + marami pang extra-curricular. And ilang % of students lng nagrarally. #FactsMatter

— Dom Free (@__j88__) February 20, 2019

Even adding fuel to the fire, the post included Bong Revilla’s pork barrel case where he encouraged the anchor to dig deep to the issue and not rely on SOCO stories.

The same sentiment of Professional Heckler was echoed in veteran lawmaker Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero’s statement saying that all students, including those who take part in street protests, are afforded by the state with the right to free speech and expression, to peaceably assemble, and petition the government for redress of grievances–a remark he made as response to National Youth Commission chairman Ronald Cardema after he urged President Rodrigo Duterte to cancel the scholarship of state university and college students who participated in anti-government protests.

These student protesters also enjoy the right to due process and equal protection, just like any other citizen of the country and Escudero insisted that “Kung may sisipain (sa pwesto) dapat siya at ‘di ang mga estudyante.”

The chairman of the Senate Committee on Education, Arts, and Culture even pointed out that “Both the President and the government should serve every Filipino without distinction and regardless of political beliefs. Dissent in a democracy should never be frowned upon, much less penalized in any way.”