An actress found herself bashed in social media over the weekend for calling President Rodrigo Duterte a psychopath after he dared the United States and the European Union to withdraw aid from the Philippines if they felt so strongly about his bloody war on illegal drugs.
While the Palace said the actress was free to express her opinion, it said too that her words betrayed dependence on foreign aid. Online, supporters of the President insulted the actress, saying she was the one who needed psychiatric help and that she was abandoned by her husband because she could not bear him children.
A singer closely identified with President Duterte also took to social media to counter the actress’ Facebook post, emphasizing, in bold letters, how respect begets respect.
Last week, an actor was arrested at a Pampanga checkpoint for possession of almost a kilo of marijuana. Two female police officers were shown grinning as they posed for pictures with the just-arrested actor.
Meanwhile, at least 54 show business personalities are on the list of drug users and pushers, according to the National Capital Region Police Office. The names are based on information from two actresses previously arrested for possession of illegal drugs.
According to the police, most of the celebrities on the list—which is still growing —are using shabu, cocaine and party drugs.
The list, still being validated, includes other names, local and national officials, uniformed personnel, members of the judiciary, media and others.
Shame stings more when it is akin to a fall from grace.
The President, who won by substantial plurality, himself enjoys celebrity, judging from the high trust ratings he enjoys despite his uncouth statements and erratic policy pronouncements. His celebrity status is also shown by the way his rabid supporters attack anybody who dares disagree or criticize him.
This handful of popular names sends a louder message to the public, sadly more than the thousands of suspected users and pushers, who have been killed in the past 100 days or so, combined.
Prominence is a perk, but also a responsibility. Let those who are better known than others keep in mind what they are capable of doing—or undoing—especially in this nation that tends to get starstruck before it finds discernment.
